Controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo announced on Zimbabwe's Independence Day that he would donate USD$3.6 million to all 360 Members of Parliament and Senators, USD$10,000 each for "constituency development."

Chivayo, who has built his wealth largely through government contracts, stated the gesture received personal approval from President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The funds are to be delivered to Speaker Jacob Mudenda, as reported by The Zimbabwe Mail.

The timing has drawn immediate scrutiny. Parliament is preparing to deliberate on Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill, which would extend the presidential term from five to seven years, effectively keeping Mnangagwa in power until 2030 and controversially allow Parliament to elect the president rather than the general public.

Critics, civil society groups, and even the ZANU-PF Youth League have condemned the move as an attempt to buy lawmakers' votes at a constitutionally sensitive moment. NewsDay Zimbabwe described it bluntly as "a US$3.6 million test of parliamentary integrity."

Chivayo framed the payment as an "olive branch" to MPs across party lines, but added a pointed warning: legislators who decline the money may have it redirected to "more competent" individuals in their constituencies, a statement widely read as political pressure.

The Zimbabwe Constitutional Movement (ZICOMO) called the donation an outright attempt to bribe Parliament and demanded all MPs reject it.