Zimbabwe’s Parliament has been thrust into the spotlight after revelations that nearly US$400,000 in public funds was allegedly used to upgrade the private home of Senate President Mabel Chinomona. The explosive findings show that the money went toward luxury household items, including curtains, beds, kitchen appliances, decorative vases, and flower pots—expenses that critics say have no clear link to official parliamentary duties.
An investigation by the CITE uncovered that the purchases were made without following mandatory tender procedures, raising serious questions about transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayer funds. The issue was further highlighted by Reah Kujinga, who flagged the spending in her 2023 and 2024 audit reports on the Parliament of Zimbabwe.
The revelations have ignited widespread public anger, especially at a time when Zimbabweans are grappling with economic hardship, failing public services, and underfunded hospitals and schools. On social media, many are questioning how Parliament justified spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on what appear to be personal luxury upgrades, while critical national needs remain unmet.
As pressure mounts, citizens and civil society groups are calling for full disclosure, accountability, and possible legal action if wrongdoing is confirmed. The scandal has once again fueled debate over public finance abuse, weak oversight, and elite privilege, with many demanding reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
