Political Reporter

The continued call for monetary and fuel donations by the MDC Alliance leadership to support Nelson Chamisa’s programmes has riled that party’s members who now complain that the donations are not justified.

A legislator within the MDC Alliance complained to this publication that it seemed they are now working to support Chamisa financially, as they are forced to donate part of their parliamentary fuel and monetary allowances towards his programmes.

“These calls for donations are milking us dry. We are forced to donate 20 litres of our parliamentary fuel allocation to Chamisa. On top of that, we are required to donate US$100.00 every month towards the Presidential Petty Cash. If you fail to meet the requirements, you are victimised and labelled a (Douglas) Mwonzora supporter,” said the legislator.

The same legislator said the forced donations were hitting hard on Harare legislators as they got few fuel coupons as compared to legislators from other provinces.

“When they take our fuel coupons, how will we do programmes in our constituencies without fuel? The party should find other ways to mobilise funds instead of taking us as the party’s milk cows,” said the legislator.

According to the same legislators, Chamisa is visiting Manicaland Province next week and all legislators have been told to contribute a minimum of US$50.00 to sponsor the trip. Ordinary party members in Mutare are forced to fork out $5 for Chamisa’s provincial trip.

 The legislator said, what was worrying was that no proper audit was being done to account for all the donations. He added that the donations were not being received by the party’s National Treasurer, David Coltart, but where being handled directly by Chamisa himself.

The legislator further complained that currently, there is a fundraising initiative meant to raise funds to purchase an armored vehicle for Chamisa. He said there was misplaced priorities within the party as funds were being raised to support Chamisa’s lavish lifestyle at the expense of party programmes.

“I don’t think that Chamisa’s life is at stake to the extent of needing an armored vehicle. Instead of buying him an armored vehicle, the funds should be raised to purchase a building to use as party offices or purchase materials for 2023 elections. There is misplaced priorities within the party,” said the legislator.

Efforts to get a comment from MDC Alliance spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere were futile as her mobile phones were not reachable.