Zimbabwe MPs Get US$40, 000 Each In Shady Loan Scheme

Zimbabwean legislators have agreed to be paid US$40,000 payments, totalling US$14 million for the 350 members, funded by taxpayers in a dubious loan scheme.

Opposition MPs including the Nelson Chamisa led CCC have come under fire for accepting such an offer when hospitals, clinics among other basic service providers are struggling. Some view the move as a plan by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to silence the MPs especially those from the opposition. The legislators will get US$40 000 each in loans to the tune of US$14 million.

Award winning journalist Hopewell Chin’ono argues that the offer was strategically made by Zanu-PF in its quest to maintain grip on power.

He further pointed out that if any MP, whether from the ruling party or opposition, was really concerned about the state of service delivery in Zimbabwe, they would have rejected the offer. He said:

“The US$40,000 one off payment to ALL Zimbabwean MPs totaling US$14 million shows students of politics that Zanu-PF understands power! Those in politics to serve would ask why now? Those not bothered about dilapidated hospitals will just pocket their share. Remember that in 2023.”

“These are some of the Zimbabwean Members of Parliament that will receive a one off US$40,000 loot! Zimbabwe has 350 Members of Parliament, so the taxpayer will fund these MPs to the tune of US$14 million. All public hospitals don’t have a working radiotherapy cancer machine!”

Political analyst Pride Mkono said the offer exposed not only Zanu-PF MPs but the opposition for being greedy. He found it disappointing that some of the legislators had not even uttered a word in Parliament but they are set to receive the money.

“What is apparent in the elite agreement between Zanu-PF and opposition is that we are run by a corrupt, inept and unproductive elite which is predominantly focused on accumulation. All they want is to accumulate at the expense of the generality of citizens. Across both parties there are greedy elites. That is why you find parties are prepared to go into an election without reforms. And it’s those same individuals who return to Parliament and continue enjoying those benefits.”

“It is actually disappointing if you look at the service that they have done. Some of the MPs have not even spoken a word in Parliament. They have contributed nothing in Portfolio Committees, but there they are, getting US$40 000. It will take an average young person two lifetimes of 60 years each, which is 120 years to earn US$40 000. And it’s quite shocking that we have these very greedy elites who are just serving their own interests.”

Temba Mliswa took to Twitter to justify the move saying ministers were getting half a million each.

Just want to provide context and an explanation about the US$40 000 to be given to legislators. I'm the Chairperson of the Welfare Committee Pressure Group. That figure isn't a gift but it's a loan.

— Hon. Temba P. Mliswa (@TembaMliswa) November 29, 2022

However, citizens are angry and have been expressive in their disgust.

https://twitter.com/amaizuskitchen/status/1597276128003379201?t=HY24yXgBfosb1BiwCPqOeg&s=19

and Dr JayTee a medical professional outlined how such a sum could help in health delivery system.

hospitals have no medication

solution :let's give mps loans of 40k with not guarantee of them. paying back. pic.twitter.com/w0UTs2tmG5

— skilled rebhara (@drjaytee87) November 26, 2022

Only Allan Markham the MP for Harare North has turned down the offer and former Minister Walter Mzembi called for the suspension of the program.

Cabinet today must suspend its plans to pay each MP $40000 gratuity & Cabinet Ministers $500000 housing grants , channel the savings towards power imports . This gesture will demonstrate the extent to which they are willing to sacrifice for public good!

— Dr Walter Mzembi (@waltermzembi) November 29, 2022