By Political Reporter-Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has lavished money, residential stands, and fuel perks on Members of Parliament in a bid to win their loyalty.

This comes amid growing discontent among lawmakers, particularly those affiliated with the controversial Sengezo Tshabangu-led Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), who refused to step down after CCC founder Nelson Chamisa stepped aside.

The rebellious MPs, who had previously threatened to block the national budget, have now been silenced by Ncube’s generous incentives. 

Many of these parliamentarians were vocal in their demands for the fulfillment of government promises, including residential stands and other benefits.

One such MP, Marondera Central’s Caston Matewu, criticized the government for failing to pay for lawmakers’ hotel accommodations, describing their situation as embarrassing and unsustainable. “We have been reduced to a laughingstock,” Matewu lamented.

In response, Ncube announced a substantial increase in budgetary allocations for Parliament, aimed at addressing MPs’ grievances. 

He unveiled the following package:

• An additional ZiG378 million for the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and the clearance of arrears.
• ZiG50 million for tools of trade and office equipment for MPs and parliamentary staff.
• ZiG72 million for MPs’ fuel requirements.
• ZiG250 million to support additional motor vehicle needs.
• ZiG200 million for constituency offices and other parliamentary requirements.

Ncube also pledged to engage the Ministry of Local Government to expedite the provision of residential stands for MPs.

This move has sparked criticism, with some observers accusing Ncube of using state resources to buy the loyalty of MPs at a time when ordinary citizens are struggling to make ends meet.

The development further highlights the deepening divisions within the CCC and raises questions about the ethical implications of the government’s handling of public funds.

With the budget crisis temporarily averted, the focus now shifts to the long-term implications of this unprecedented financial largesse. 

Critics argue that such tactics undermine democratic accountability and set a dangerous precedent for leveraging public funds to resolve political disputes.