harare24dmin Ester Zitha, the widow of the late Nkulumane Member of Parliament, Honourable Desire Moyo, has ignited a storm of controversy after a fundraising appeal for school fees and household upkeep for her three children began circulating widely on social media platforms.
The appeal circulating on social media, issued by what is described as “family and group administrators,” calls on Zimbabweans—many of whom are grappling with deep economic hardship—to make monetary contributions towards the welfare of the Moyo children following the legislator’s untimely death.
However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from sections of the public, with critics questioning why the widow is appealing to ordinary citizens despite allegedly inheriting what they describe as a “substantial estate befitting of a sitting Member of Parliament.”
“This is morally questionable,” said one senior political activist from Bulawayo who requested anonymity. “You cannot inherit a US$50,000 Isuzu D-Max, parliamentary payouts, a teaching practice pension and other benefits, live a lifestyle far above ordinary Zimbabweans, and then turn around to beg the same struggling people for school fees.”
Critics argue that instead of appealing for donations, the widow should liquidate or rationalise inherited assets to meet immediate family needs.
“Why not sell one asset and send the children to school?” asked another critic. “Why must poor vendors, pensioners and unemployed youths carry a burden that should be covered by an estate left by a sitting MP?”
The controversy has been further inflamed by allegations that shortly after the death of Honourable Moyo, the widow allegedly spent more than US$5,000 campaigning in an attempt to replace her late husband as Member of Parliament.
“That money could have been used for upkeep and school fees,” said a local political commentator. “Instead, it was allegedly spent chasing political popularity. Now, months later, we are told there is no money for the children. That is not tragedy—that is poor planning.”
Another critic went further, warning that the ongoing appeal risks damaging the legacy of the late legislator.
“This insults the memory of Honourable Desire Moyo,” the critic said. “People will begin to think he failed to plan for his family, when in reality he left behind an estate consistent with his position. It is not the late MP failing—it is the mismanagement of what he left.”
The fundraising message includes multiple local and international payment options and encourages supporters to inbox designated administrators, with assurances that “every little contribution will go a long way.” Critics, however, say the optics of the appeal are deeply troubling in a country where many cannot afford a single meal a day.
“Begging has become fashionable,” said another Bulawayo resident. “But it becomes offensive when it comes from a position of privilege. Zimbabweans are suffering, and this feels like emotional blackmail.”
As of publication, the widow had not publicly responded to the criticism or clarified the status of the late MP’s estate, nor addressed questions surrounding asset management and campaign expenditure.
This publication remains open to publishing her response or that of her representatives to ensure balance and fairness.
