Tshabangu-led CCC Plays Down Outcry Over Matsunga’s Gift From Chivayo

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has refused to comment on the row sparked by one of its MPs, Susan Matsunga, accepting gifts from ZANU-PF benefactor Wicknell Chivayo.

Chivayo gave Matsunga, the MP for Budiriro North, US$50,000 in cash and a new car.

He said the gifts were in recognition of Matsunga’s public praise for President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his adviser, Paul Tungwarara, at the unveiling of boreholes drilled under the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme in Mufakose, Harare — an opposition stronghold.

Although the donation drew widespread criticism, the CCC faction led by Sengezo Tshabangu, which some accuse of aligning with ZANU-PF and weakening the opposition, appeared to play down the matter.

Tshabangu’s spokesperson, Nqobizitha Mlilo, said the controversy was being blown out of proportion.

“During an interregnum, morbid symptoms appear. These include irrelevant parties invited to comment on matters that do not concern them,” said Mlilo.

“Commenting on the alleged donation to Budiriro North Member of Parliament Honourable Matsunga is clearly one such.

“As we understand it, the donation is to the member and person concerned, not the party.

“Generally, accepting or declining such donations is subject to the personal politics and political conscience of the individual member.

“We, therefore, express no opinion on this subject. Our country is in an intense and delicate reconstructive transition, and it is to this that we must all focus, guided by national interest.”

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