Hwende Seeks Delay to Budget Debate, Citing MPs’ Welfare Ahead of Christmas

CCC MP Chalton Hwende calls for a delay to the 2026 Finance Bill debate, citing MPs’ unpaid dues and welfare concerns ahead of Christmas (image source)

Harare — Kuwadzana East MP Chalton Hwende (CCC) on Thursday moved to delay debate on the proposed 2026 Finance Bill, arguing that the welfare of Members of Parliament has reached crisis levels and that many legislators face a bleak Christmas without urgent intervention.

Hwende told the House that a planned joint caucus with Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube — meant to address outstanding MPs’ welfare concerns — had been postponed until after passage of the budget, leaving members without resources to travel or meet basic needs. He urged the Speaker to pause proceedings to allow MPs to engage the minister before the debate resumed.

“Hon. Speaker, as we have previously stated, the situation among the Members of Parliament you lead is dire. There is hunger written all over their faces,” Hwende said. He added that the caucus had been promised since the Pre-Budget Seminar and warned that delaying it until after the Finance Bill’s passage would prejudice members who depend on timely disbursements.

“We are approaching the Christmas holiday, and Members have no means of travelling. We have not been paid our dues,” Hwende said, insisting it would be unacceptable to enter 2026 without resolving welfare issues such as housing loans and allowances.

The plea drew a sharp response from ZANU-PF Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi, who accused Hwende of attempting to hold the government to ransom and of elevating MPs’ personal concerns above national interests. Togarepi said the majority had already mobilised funds for immediate relief — including 20 million for coupons and 25 million for members’ allowances — and that Constituency Development Fund (CDF) payments were expected to be completed by the end of the following week.

“Mr Speaker, what Hon. Hwende is suggesting implies that we want to hold the government or the Minister to ransom,” Togarepi said, arguing that MPs’ welfare is regularly discussed through established channels and should not be used to delay national business. He warned that postponing the budget debate for internal matters would create a public perception that legislators prioritise their own interests over those of the electorate.

The exchange underscored persistent tensions around parliamentary entitlements and the timing of payments, issues that have surfaced repeatedly in recent years. While some MPs continue to campaign for improved benefits and clearer payment schedules, others maintain that such concerns should be handled without disrupting legislative processes.

At the time of reporting, no formal postponement had been granted. The Speaker is expected to rule on any request to adjourn or delay debate, as MPs await clarity on the timing and delivery of the promised payments ahead of the festive season.