Tinotenda Hove – The Citizens Coalition for Change is facing mounting scrutiny after declining to publicly address a controversy involving one of its legislators who received a large cash gift and a vehicle from businessman Wicknell Chivayo.

Budiriro North MP Susan Matsunga has drawn attention after it emerged she was given US$50,000 and a new car. Chivayo indicated that the gesture followed her public remarks commending President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his adviser Paul Tungwarara during a borehole commissioning event in Mufakose.

The development has triggered widespread criticism, with many questioning the ethical implications of an opposition figure receiving benefits from an individual closely associated with the ruling establishment.

Despite the backlash, the CCC grouping aligned to Sengezo Tshabangu has avoided taking a firm position. Party spokesperson Nqobizitha Mlilo dismissed the issue as overblown and suggested that outsiders were unnecessarily inserting themselves into a matter that does not concern them.

Mlilo indicated that, in his view, the donation should be treated as a personal matter relating to the individual MP rather than an issue for the party to address. He further argued that decisions about accepting or rejecting such gestures fall within the personal judgment and political values of the individual involved, while signalling that the party would not be issuing an official stance.

Observers have sharply criticised the silence. One political analyst said, “This is a serious test of the opposition’s credibility. You cannot campaign on accountability and then look away when one of your own is involved in a questionable transaction.”

Another commentator added, “Whether it is personal or not, the public sees it as political. The failure to respond clearly creates the impression that there are double standards at play.”

A governance expert also weighed in, saying, “Situations like this require firm leadership. Avoiding the issue may protect internal unity in the short term, but it damages public trust over time.”

The party’s reluctance to engage has continued to fuel debate, with critics insisting that avoiding the issue raises broader questions about transparency, leadership, and ethical consistency within opposition ranks.