Controversial businessman Wicknel Chivayo has withdrawn his widely debated US$3.6 million pledge to Parliament and announced a revised commitment of US$5 million for grassroots development projects. The original pledge had drawn mixed reactions from political figures and the ruling ZANU‑PF youth league, prompting questions about its intent and the channels used.
In a statement, Chivayo said his initial offer was made in good faith to support constituency development and to mark Zimbabwe’s independence, but he acknowledged that it may have overlooked “institutional sensitivities.” “I am not a politician and do not aspire to become one,” he said, describing himself instead as a businessman and philanthropist supporting national development.
After reflecting on concerns raised by ZANU‑PF youth league officials, including John Paradza and Taurai Kandishaya, Chivayo decided to retract the pledge directed to Parliament. He explained: “Upon full reflection and having carefully considered the concerns raised by my fellow comrades, particularly Hon. Kundishora (Kandishaya) and Cde Paradza, and giving due regard to their appointing authority, I acknowledge that my approach, though well‑intended, may not have fully appreciated certain institutional sensitivities. As a political novice, I recognize there are structures and protocols I ought to have observed and consulted. In hindsight, I realise the channel through which the pledge was communicated was probably not the best, and I could have given better consideration to the timing of my pledge. For that reason, and for any unintended consequences that may have resulted, I express my deepest regret.”
Chivayo said the revised US$5 million commitment will be channelled through party structures, with funds distributed across Zimbabwe’s ten provinces to support local development initiatives. “Guided by my commitment to the transformative socio‑economic agenda of the Second Republic, I am pleased to announce a revised pledge of USD 5 million, subject to further consultation with the appropriate party structures. This support can be channelled through provincial chairpersons as USD 500,000 per province to drive grassroots development that directly benefits our communities. As a young businessman, I will continue to support the ruling party and government initiatives under the visionary leadership of President E. D. Mnangagwa. Zimbabwe is ours to build and I will continue to play my part unapologetically,” he said.
The businessman also issued an apology to Parliament, the Speaker, and members of the ZANU‑PF Youth League for any “discomfort or misunderstanding” caused. “I wish to extend my sincere and unreserved regret to the august house, the Speaker of Parliament, Honourable Members, the Clerk of Parliament, and the ZANU‑PF youth league for any discomfort or misunderstanding that may have arisen from my pledge. My respect for party leadership and all the structures remains unquestionable. Ndiri mwana we musangano, ndicharamba ndichi supporter musangano under the leadership of our president. Let us move forward in unity as we collectively build a prosperous Zimbabwe and realise the aspirations of Vision 2030,” he concluded.
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