Pressure from Members of Parliament has led Zimbabwe’s Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Mthuli Ncube, to announce increases in funding for lawmakers, <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/ncube-raises-parliaments-budget-and-doubles-cdf-to-us100k/">reported ZimLive</a>.
In response to their demands, Ncube has doubled the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation and pledged to purchase more vehicles for MPs.
Originally, Ncube allocated ZiG1.7 billion for Parliament in his budget statement presented on November 28. However, following parliamentary pressure, he raised this amount by an additional ZiG1 billion.
During the debate on his 2025 budget on Wednesday, Ncube explained that financing the added costs required tapping into “back pocket funds.”
Some of the specific requests from MPs included more vehicles for parliamentary committee chairpersons, allowances for staff, residential stands for lawmakers, the clearance of CDF arrears, as well as increased sitting, fuel, and foreign allowances.
To meet these demands, Ncube allocated approximately US$120 million for staff salaries, ZiG250 million for additional cars for MPs, ZiG378 million for clearing CDF arrears, ZiG72 million for MPs’ fuel allowances, ZiG50 million for domestic and foreign allowances, and another ZiG50 million for lawmakers’ offices and tools of trade.
Additionally, Ncube doubled the CDF allocation to US$100,000 per constituency for the country’s 210 constituencies and set aside funds to purchase buses for transporting parliamentary staff. He said:
<blockquote>
What we did not do is in a sense we can see that it is an area of pressure and we need some back pocket to approve what they were proposing but to make provision for it because within our budget to cater for additional motor vehicles.
Now let me go back and say that for the CDF and clearance of tools of trade and office equipment for staff and MPs, I am proposing an additional ZiG72 million.
To support additional motor vehicle requirements which is a tool of trade, I am proposing an additional ZiG50 million.
For MPs’ fuel requirements, I am proposing an additional budget of ZiG378 million.
I am proposing a back pocket for parliament of ZiG200 million and an additional ZiG50 million for the constituency offices and other tools of the trade ZiG250 million.
For domestic and foreign allowances, I am proposing ZiG 50 million.
</blockquote>
Ncube said that the issue of residential stands for parliamentary staff is still under consideration and being addressed by the Ministry of Local Government.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Zimbabwe's Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube, gave more money and benefits to MPs after they asked for it. He doubled the amount of money each constituency gets to help its people and promised to buy more vehicles for MPs. Ncube had originally set aside a certain amount of money for Parliament, but had to add more because MPs wanted more. He provided extra money for things like staff salaries, cars for MPs, fuel, allowances, and office supplies. He also promised to buy buses for parliamentary staff. Ncube said he will think about giving residential stands to parliamentary staff.

In A Year Of Drought, Mthuli Ncube Pampers MPs With Stands, Cars, And Increased CDF

ZANU PF Members of Parliament have demanded the disbursement of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations in United States dollars, reported <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/zanu-pf-mps-disown-zim-dollar-urge-us-dollar-denominated-cdf/">ZimLive</a>.
The legislators, who spoke at an induction workshop for MPs recently, claimed that service providers were rejecting the Zimbabwe dollar.
The workshop was boycotted by opposition CCC MPs who were protesting the controversial expulsion of their colleagues that was initiated by self-imposed party secretary general Sengezo Tshabangu.
All 210 constituencies in Zimbabwe get the equivalent of US$50 000 CDF in local currency, based on the exchange rate on the day of disbursement.
The official exchange rate is currently $5 633 per United States dollar.
Tsholotsho South MP Musa Ncube said most service providers, such as transporters, do not accept the local currency. Said Ncube:
<blockquote>
The reason why sometimes we do not quickly use the CDF is what we encounter with the service providers.
Most of the service providers refuse to take local currency.
That’s why at times we opt to buy cement because some cement companies still accept Zimbabwe dollars.
The idea would be to offload the money quickly before it is eroded by inflation.
Transporters are not taking RTGs because they cannot relay the money into buying fuel which is priced in US dollars.
</blockquote>
Murewa West MP, Farai Jere, said the CDF should be increased “so that an MP can do a project in every ward of a constituency”.
Mwenezi West MP Priscilla Moyo urged the Treasury to disburse CDF promptly so that MPs can eat inflation.
National Assembly Speaker Jacob Mudenda acknowledged that CDF administered in US dollars was essential. He added:
<blockquote>
The problem needs to be brought to the attention of the Minister of Finance because it is a real problem where the supplier demands payment in USD.
</blockquote>
However, MPs’ request for the grants to be disbursed in foreign currency goes against Government policy and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recent declaration to ditch the multi-currency regime in future. 
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZANU PF MPs Demand Constituency Development Fund In US Dollars

The Redcliff Primary School head and the School Development Committee (SDC) recently snubbed the local Member of Parliament who had gone to donate laptops at the school.
Redcliff MP, Lloyd Mukapiko (MDC Alliance), donated laptops at the school from his Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
He was made to wait for an hour before he was attended to by school authorities as the school head, “was at home, ill.”
Members of the SDC, who are alleged ZANU PF members, were also absent during the donation ceremony. Said Mukapiko:
<blockquote>
I would have been happy to present this donation to the school development committee.
Unfortunately, they had their own political reasons for staying away from this event, which is quite unfortunate.
This donation of computers is benefiting learners here and that is development and development has nothing to do with politics.
We mustn’t destroy the future of our country because of politics, development must take precedence.
CDF is meant for constituency development and development doesn’t locate anyone based on their political affiliations.
</blockquote>
Mukapiko said this was not the first time ZANU PF supporters have rejected the opposition MP’s donation. He said:
<blockquote>
We had a similar situation in nearby resettlement areas in Grasslands.
However, we managed to resolve our differences and we are now working together.
We decided to prioritise development ahead of partisan politics.
Despite the fact that only 28 people voted for me in Grasslands, I have gone on to construct a classroom block in that ward.
This was after a realisation that there were a few schools in the area.
</blockquote>
Mukapiko said some of the people who contested against him in the 2018 elections, among them Edmore Gotora, who represented ZIPP and Brenda Moyo NPF are now part of his constituency development committee. | <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/redcliff-primary-school-head-snubs-mdc-a-mps-donation/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

School Head "Refuses" Computers Donation By Opposition MP

ZANU PF members in Nkayi, Matabeleland North Province, are reportedly blocking developmental initiatives made by opposition members and also harassing villagers who received donations from opposition political parties.
This was said by Nkayi senator Chief Ndlovu (MDC Alliance) during a virtual discussion conducted by the Nkayi community parliament on Monday. Ndlovu said:
<blockquote>
The challenges that are there are that the ruling ZANU PF party dominates both Nkayi North and Nkayi South.
When we try to introduce developmental issues we are prevented. We have had situations whereby people were questioned for accepting a donation from the opposition.
It does not matter if a clinic is built by ZANU PF; our children will go there and get treated.
It does not matter whether Mthwakazi Republic Party builds a dam, our beasts will all go to drink there. We need to grow up.
We should set the tone as Nkayi on what we can accept as communities. We should not let party issues divide us.
</blockquote>
He said taxpayers’ money like the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) should not be monopolised by MPs since Senators do not receive the allocation.
In 2019, <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/06/13/zanu-pf-mp-trashes-medical-supplies-donated-by-mdc-official/">ZANU PF MP for Chiredzi West, Farai Musikavanhu, reportedly withdrew hospital beds and other medical supplies donated to Chiredzi Polyclinic</a> by an opposition MDC official.
Musikavanhu reportedly teamed up with State Security agents to forcibly remove an ambulance, 30 wheelchairs, three 5 000-litre water tanks, 10 electric operated beds, BP testing kits from the clinic, and other items. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local-news/article/200003245/opposition-donations-rile-zanu-pf">NewsDay</a>

MDC Alliance Senator Accuses ZANU PF Members Of Blocking Development In Nkayi

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has dismissed as false a report claiming that police last week barred Makokoba MP, James Sithole (MDC Alliance) from holding Constituency Development Fund (CDF) consultation meetings in his constituency.
Police said the meeting was stopped by National Railways of Zimbabwe officers “as it was taking place in their area of jurisdiction.”
Sithole told an online publication that he was told that the meeting could not go ahead because he is a CCC member. Said, Sithole:
<blockquote>
I have been denied to carry out the public consultation meeting at Westgate as scheduled despite the meeting having been cleared by the police.
I was told that the meeting cannot be held because I am a Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) MP hence the meeting is considered political. People have been dispersed.
</blockquote>
However, in a statement on Thursday evening, ZRP Senior Staff Officer (Press and Public Relations), Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said police were not involved in the alleged cancellation of the meeting. He said:
<blockquote>
James Sithole (MP Makokoba)’s notification was duly sanctioned by the local regulating authority. He was allowed to hold his meeting as advised.
The meeting… was not stopped by Zimbabwe Republic Police officers at all and the Member of Parliament can conclusively attest to this fact.
The meeting was stopped by National Railways of Zimbabwe officers as it was taking place in their area of jurisdiction.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police once again implores journalists to verify stories with their sources before rushing to tarnish the image of Police.
</blockquote>

Police Throw NRZ Under The Bus Over Aborted CDF Meeting

An opposition MP was last week barred from holding Constituency Development Fund (CDF) consultation meetings by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
CDF are funds given to Members of Parliament by Treasury to initiate development projects in their constituencies.
Makokoba MP, James Sithole (MDC Alliance) was barred by police from meeting residents at Westgate Emjingweni where they had been invited to attend the meeting to submit their proposals.
Other meetings which were also interrupted had been set for Thorngrove Hall, Stanley Hall- Makokoba, Brethren in Christ Church-Nguboyenja, and McDonald Hall-Mzilikazi.
Speaking to CITE’s <a href="https://cite.org.zw/author/senzeni/">Senzeni Ncube</a>, Sithole said he was told that the meeting could not go ahead because he is a CCC member. Said Sithole:
<blockquote>
I have been denied to carry out the public consultation meeting at Westgate as scheduled despite the meeting having been cleared by the police.
I was told that the meeting cannot be held because I am a Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) MP hence the meeting is considered political. People have been dispersed.
</blockquote>
ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told CITE he was not aware of the matter. He said:
<blockquote>
Those decisions are done by the local regulating authority and normally when they make those decisions they don’t tell us, so I am not even aware.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://cite.org.zw/police-ban-cdf-meetings-claim-they-are-political/">CITE</a>

Police Ban Opposition MP's CDF Meetings

Honourable Jasmine Toffa has said Proportional Representation legislators should also get the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) as their directly elected counterparts so that they can become effective.
Under current legislation, only the 210 legislators who are directly elected are entitled to the CDF fund that is meant to help spearhead development in constituencies.
As a result, the directly elected MPs have been using the CDF funds to enhance their chances of returning to Parliament come next election.
This has been a bone of contention with the 60 Proportional Representation legislators and the Senators who believe the directly elected MPs have an advantage over them.
Speaking in the National Assembly during debate of the Constitution Amendment Bill No.2 which is in the Committee Stage, Toffa said:
<blockquote>I would propose Honourable Minister that the PR is also given a Constituency Development Fund, particularly because you are talking about young women that are coming that have nothing to lean on and to get the power base.
You are talking about people living with disabilities who are already at a disadvantage and will feel again as though they are being put in a situation where they cannot express themselves properly and have got to be under somebody else.
This provision of the Constitution is to empower women but the empowerment has a glass ceiling.
You are there but you are not there, so we have to put that into consideration. I would like you Honourable Minister to look into that. Thank you.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://openparly.com/index.php/2021/04/19/hon-toffa-proportional-representation-mps-should-get-cdf/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Open Parly</a></h4>

Proportional Representation MPs Should Get CDF - Toffa

The Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda has urged the citizenry to vote out legislators who did not apply for the Community Development Fund (CDF).
Advocate Mudenda revealed that each Member of Parliament (MP) was entitled to receiving $185 000 to kick-start developmental projects in their constituencies.
He reported that 91 Zanu PF MPs and a total of about 50 MDC MPs have not applied for CDF when communities are in dire need of development. He said:
<blockquote>This is a sham. They could fix a borehole, complete a classroom block or build a clinic with this money.
The uptake is very low, and I am personally not happy…there are some MPs who are generally lazy. You as the people who wield power should take them to task.
When we go to the next elections, remove this type of MPs who don’t want to take up CDF monies.</blockquote>
Some MPs have previously been accused of abusing the fund by using it to manipulate voters into voting for them while a few have managed to account for the money allocated to their constituencies.
The electorate has often lamented over seasonal politicians who appear and reappear during election periods when they want to campaign for the retention of their positions.
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/mudenda-fumes-as-lazy-mps-abandon-7-million-cdf/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewZimbabwe</a>

Mudenda Urges Voters To Ditch MPs Who Didn't Apply For CDF

The government has increased the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations to parliamentarians from $50 000 to $200 000 with immediate effect.
This was revealed by Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube on Thursday while responding to legislators during debate on the Mid-Term Budget Review Statement and Supplementary Budget presented on 1 August. He said:
<blockquote>Honourable Members would also be pleased to note that we have increased the budget for the CDF from $50 000 to $200 000 per member.</blockquote>
CDF is a financial grant made to MPs to carry out development projects in their respective constituencies. It is given to members of the National Assembly and not Senators.
Parliamentarians used to get the $50 000 during the multi-currency era and with the return of the Zimbabwe Dollar, it has been considered very inadequate.
The supplementary budget was passed after initial resistance from opposition MDC Alliance members.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-increases-cdf-allocation/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

Govt Raises CDF Allocation To $200 000

Members of Parliament have requested that they receive their Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in United States dollars as a way to preserve value, as the RTGS$ is shedding value on a daily basis.
Warren Park MP, Shakespeare Hamauswa (MDC Alliance) raised a point of privilege to ask Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube to consider the proposal. He said:
<blockquote>Since the minister of Finance and Economic Development is in the House, I would like to request that our CDF should be converted to the US dollar using the inter-bank rate.
This is important because every time we come to submit our quotations when we go back to procure material for our projects, we normally discover that the rate which was used when we were given invoices has changed.
This means that the people we lead no longer have faith in us as their representatives.</blockquote>
In response, deputy National Assembly Speaker Tsitsi Gezi who was standing in for Speaker Jacob Mudenda said:
<blockquote>…you are raising a very important issue but I am sorry, it is not a point of privilege. You can raise that issue with your chief whips.</blockquote>
The fund was first introduced in 2010 by the then Finance Minister Tendai Biti. The Fund is however prone to abuse as there is no mechanism in place to see that it would be used for what it is supposed.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2019/05/30/mps-demand-cdf-in-usd" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Daily News</a></h4>

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