Hwende Sparks Debate Over MPs’ Welfare as Togarepi Warns Against ‘Selfish’ Priorities

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislator for Kuwadzana, Chalton Hwende, on Thursday attempted to stall debate on the 2026 national budget, insisting that MPs are struggling financially and risk facing a bleak Christmas.

Hwende argued that lawmakers’ welfare had deteriorated severely, saying many had not received their dues and were unable to travel for the festive season. He urged Parliament to suspend discussion of the Finance Bill until MPs met Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube to seek relief. Hwende has repeatedly pushed for Parliament to improve benefits for legislators, including access to housing loans.

But his remarks drew an immediate rebuke from Government Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi, who accused him of trying to arm-twist the Executive for personal gain.

“Hon. Speaker, you always remind us that MPs hold their own fate,” Hwende said. “We were informed yesterday that the Minister was ready for us to begin the budget debate. The joint caucus was meant to resolve the concerns we’ve raised throughout the year so that he could appreciate the seriousness of MPs’ welfare issues.

“With the caucus now pushed to next week—after the budget is passed—we are likely to be disadvantaged. The situation is dire. Hunger is written on MPs’ faces. Christmas is near, and Members cannot even afford to travel. We have not been paid, yet we were promised since the Pre-Budget Seminar that we would meet with the Minister. Going into 2026 without resolving this is unacceptable.”

Hwende pleaded with the Speaker to intervene so that legislators could meet Prof Ncube first before continuing with the budget process.

Togarepi, however, dismissed Hwende’s stance as self-serving.

“What Hon. Hwende is proposing suggests we want to hold the Minister and government hostage, as if we came here to represent ourselves,” Togarepi said. “We are here for the people. Issues affecting MPs are regularly addressed.”

He went on to outline ongoing government efforts to support MPs.

“We have already secured $20 million for fuel coupons, which should be disbursed today, and $25 million for Members’ allowances,” he said. “The Minister also assured us that all CDF allocations will be released by the end of next week. What exactly do we still need to negotiate in the joint caucus?”

Togarepi warned that pushing for personal benefits ahead of national processes paints Parliament in a bad light.

“It sends the wrong message that MPs care more about their perks than the national budget. That is not who we are. We have needs, yes, but we should not hold the people of Zimbabwe at ransom to advance them.”

Source-ZiFM