Published: 1 hour ago

A government-funded borehole commissioning programme in Cowdray Park on Saturday was overshadowed by cash handouts and food hamper distributions after Presidential adviser Paul Tungwarara threw money into a crowd, triggering a scramble among attendees.

The event, held under the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme, drew supporters from Bulawayo and several other parts of the country, including Kwekwe, Gweru and Masvingo.

While the programme was officially organised to commission community water infrastructure, it quickly evolved into a platform for promoting the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), which seeks to extend the terms of the President and other elected officials.

Supporters carrying CAB3 placards filled the venue, singing and dancing as Tungwarara repeatedly distributed cash to individuals and groups throughout the proceedings.

Addressing the crowd, Tungwarara said the atmosphere of celebration among supporters made a formal speech unnecessary.

"This is what happens at CAB3. Everyone is happy. We have seen church people celebrating without feeling ashamed of their beliefs. They are happy with their President, so today I said there is no speech," he said.

He said the public celebrations reflected satisfaction with President Emmerson Mnangagwa's leadership and government programmes.

"What has already been done is done. If people are happy, there is nothing more to say because whatever you try to talk about, they will just ignore it and continue celebrating. We have prepared hampers," said Tungwarara.

Moments later, he tossed cash into the crowd, prompting a rush by some attendees seeking to collect the money.

Throughout the event, church leaders, including pastors and bishops, reportedly received a combined US$10,000, while councillors and legislators from both Zanu-PF and the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) who attended were each given US$200.

A child who performed protocol duties received US$1,000, while dance groups and individual performers were awarded cash prizes amounting to thousands of dollars.

Residents carrying CAB3 placards and participating in the celebrations also reportedly received cash handouts, with some getting US$20 each. Food hampers were distributed as the programme continued.

Cowdray Park legislator Arthur Mujeyi praised the government for implementing development projects in the constituency and said residents had demonstrated their support for the President through their attendance.

"In Parliament I will not debate CAB3 because the people of Cowdray Park have spoken," Mujeyi said.

The event has reignited debate over the methods being used to mobilise support for CAB3.

Critics of the proposed constitutional amendment argue that it weakens democratic governance by concentrating power in the executive and have questioned whether cash distributions and material incentives at politically charged gatherings could amount to voter inducement.

Supporters, however, maintain that the donations and gifts are part of community assistance initiatives and represent appreciation for grassroots support and participation in development programmes.

Although the borehole commissioning proceeded as planned, the launch was largely overshadowed by the highly visible distribution of cash, food hampers and other gifts, which became the dominant feature of the day's proceedings.
- newsday

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