A fresh storm is brewing in Zimbabwe’s political corridors after civic watchdog Team Pachedu claimed that Members of Parliament (MPs) could receive up to US$110,000 each, far above the US$10,000 publicly announced by businessman Wicknell Chivayo, raising serious concerns about possible vote-buying ahead of the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 of 2026.
By Advent Shoko
Team Pachedu, a digital civic society group known for tracking elections and governance trends, alleges the widely publicised US$10,000 per MP pledge may be a smokescreen. According to the group, lawmakers are in line to receive significantly higher payouts structured in phases.
In a statement, the organisation said:
“We have it on good authority that MPs are set to get over U$110,000.00 each as the vote for CAB3 draws near.
The $10,000.00 figure by Chivhayo was used as a decoy but the actual amount is much higher. The first tranche will be paid out this month with the 60% balance in the second week of May.
This will bring the total bill to over U$33 million. The funds will come as constituencies grant and loans.
Almost all MPs including former opposition from CCC have signed up for this.”
ZiGoats.com reached out to two CCC MPs for comment, but their calls went unanswered. One of them later said:
“Parliament is on recess so I don’t know what you are talking about.”
If verified, the claims could signal one of the most significant financial influence operations in Zimbabwe’s recent legislative history. The timing, just as Parliament prepares to deliberate on a controversial constitutional amendment, has intensified fears of compromised democratic processes.
The Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 proposes sweeping changes, including altering how the president is elected and extending term limits, issues already sparking resistance locally and in the diaspora.
While Chivayo framed his initial US$10,000 pledge as support for constituency development, these new allegations cast a long shadow over that narrative. Critics argue that any undisclosed or inflated payments to legislators risk undermining public trust and parliamentary independence.
Authorities are yet to respond to the claims, but pressure is mounting for transparency, with calls for investigations growing louder as the constitutional debate reaches a boiling stage.
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