PUBLIC FUNDS, PRIVATE MANSIONS: PARLIAMENT MUST ANSWER

The news that nearly four hundred thousand United States dollars of public money was used to upgrade the private home of the Senate President is shocking and painful. It is not just another story in the news. It is a clear sign of how far those in power have moved away from the people they claim to serve. This issue is not about party fights or opinions. It is about the law, basic ethics, and respect for citizens.

The Auditor-General’s reports show very clearly what happened. Procurement rules were broken again and again. Proper tender processes were ignored. Companies were chosen without fair competition. In the end, public money was used to improve a private house. This is not allowed under the law. It is wrong, plain and simple.

Zimbabwe is a poor country. Most people are struggling every day. Hospitals do not have medicine. Schools lack books. Roads are broken. Workers earn very little. Pensioners suffer. In such a situation, using public money for private comfort is an insult to every ordinary person. It shows deep disrespect and abuse of office.

This kind of abuse is not new in our region. In South Africa, public money was used to upgrade the private home of former President Jacob Zuma. That case went all the way to the highest court. The court ruled clearly that the money had to be paid back. There was no bargaining. There was accountability. That example matters because it shows that even powerful people can be held responsible.

The same rule must apply in Zimbabwe. If public funds were used wrongly for private benefit, then the person who benefited must pay the money back. It should not matter how senior the position is. It should not matter that the office involved is Parliament. No one should be above the law.

What makes this issue even more serious is that Parliament is meant to oversee the government. Parliament is supposed to protect public money, not misuse it. When Parliament itself becomes linked to corruption, a serious question is raised. Who watches those who are meant to watch others? If the guardians are corrupt, the system collapses.

For this reason, strong action is needed. There must be a full and independent forensic audit of Parliament. This audit must look at procurement, building upgrades, fuel use, and all other spending. There must be immediate investigations by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission into the issues raised by the Auditor-General. All senior parliamentary leaders must be checked equally, including whether public money was used at the Speaker’s residence or offices. Parliament must also fully cooperate with the Public Accounts Committee, with no secrecy and no blocking of the media.

Fighting corruption cannot be selective. It cannot be used only against political enemies while those in power are protected. That is not justice. That is hypocrisy.

These events come at a very sensitive time. Parliament is being used to push big constitutional changes under the so-called 2030 Agenda. A Parliament that is stained by corruption has no moral right to change the constitution or extend anyone’s term in office.

Zimbabweans deserve better. Public money must be used for public good, not private luxury. The law must apply to everyone. Those responsible must answer. And where money was wrongly taken, it must be paid back now.