Controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who has largely remained out of the public eye following the arrest of associates on corruption charges, has recently returned to the headlines with a spectacular display of wealth.
In a week-long spending spree, Chivayo gifted luxury vehicles and a substantial cash donation, raising eyebrows and reigniting questions about the source of his considerable fortune.
Chivayo’s recent generosity has been targeted at a range of high-profile individuals, including prominent musicians and family members of late national figures. The timing of these gifts is particularly noteworthy, coming soon after his former associates, Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, were imprisoned for their involvement in a fraudulent presidential goat scheme.
Chimombe and Mpofu are facing fraud charges related to an alleged US$88 million government contract. While Chivayo himself has not been questioned regarding his own alleged involvement in corrupt tender deals, including an alleged scheme to supply election material to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, his lavish spending has fueled speculation.
Amongst the beneficiaries of Chivayo’s generosity is Daisy Mtukudzi, widow of the late music icon Oliver Mtukudzi. Chivayo presented her with a brand new 2024 Toyota Fortuner 2.4D, valued at close to US$70,000, amidst an ongoing family dispute over Mtukudzi’s estate. This act of generosity was followed by a gift of a 2022 Mercedes Benz GLE 400d 4matic, worth US$110,000, to his lawyer, Sylvester Munya Hashiti.
The most significant gift was a 2023 Bentley Bentyaga Sport, valued at a staggering US$500,000, presented to long-time friend Joseph Tazvi Mhaka. Adding to the list of high-value gifts, Chivayo also donated a 2024 Ford Ranger Wildtrax 3.0l V6 double cab pickup, worth US$80,000, to Jabulani Nkomo, son of the late Vice President John Nkomo. Furthermore, he contributed US$250,000 to the John Landa Nkomo Trust.
These recent donations are not isolated incidents. Before the controversy surrounding the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) tender emerged, Chivayo engaged in a series of high-profile car donations, primarily to musicians and Zanu PF youth members. His previous gifts included 100 Toyota Aqua vehicles promised to Zanu PF youths across the country, a Mercedes-Benz S500 for Jah Prayzah, a Mercedes-Benz GLE 300 for Suluman Chimbetu, a Mercedes-Benz GLE400d for Sandra Ndebele, a Toyota Hilux for DJ Masomere, 50 Toyota Aquas for fellow church members, a Toyota Hilux single cab for the Sacred Heart Association of the Roman Catholic Church, and a 2023 Toyota Hilux and Fortuner V8 for his church leader and his wife. In 2023 alone, he reportedly spent US$1.9 million on personal vehicles, including four Rolls Royces, a Mercedes-Benz Maybach, and a Range Rover.
This pattern of lavish spending has caused unease within the ruling Zanu PF party, with some suggesting Chivayo is attempting to curry favour and influence through these generous gestures. His close association with President Mnangagwa and his prominent presence at state functions have fuelled this speculation. However, the failure of the Starlink Zimbabwe deal, which left Chivayo without the expected returns, may have altered his approach. Despite the President’s own distribution of 318 vehicles to traditional leaders since 2017, at a cost of US$16 million, Chivayo’s independent and highly publicised donations stand out.
The source of Chivayo’s wealth remains a mystery, despite the ongoing investigations and allegations of corruption. His recent actions, however, have only served to intensify scrutiny of his financial dealings and his connections within the political landscape. The timing of these extravagant gifts, coupled with the ongoing legal battles facing his former associates, raises serious questions about transparency and accountability within Zimbabwe’s business and political spheres.
