Simon Pashoma Ncube, a once-familiar voice on Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) Radio 2, has issued a public appeal for financial assistance, highlighting a dramatic fall from grace. The 66-year-old, now disabled and impoverished, finds himself struggling to survive on a piece of land allocated to him during the country’s land reform programme.
Ncube’s plight, shared in a video and text message on his Facebook page on November 1st, has garnered significant attention. He describes his inability to utilise the land due to his disability and lack of resources, painting a stark picture of his current circumstances. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the economic hardships faced by many former civil servants and media professionals in Zimbabwe.
#FormerRadio2DJAppealsForHelp
Controversial former Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) Radio 2 popular presenter Simon Pashoma Ncube has appealed to cash-awash local tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo, who makes money mostly from state tenders and contracts, to rescue him out of… pic.twitter.com/SreKOmfrqX— TheNewsHawks (@NewsHawksLive) November 19, 2024
Retrenched from ZBC in 2015, Ncube’s career was previously marred by allegations of corruption and rape. Since leaving the broadcaster, he claims he has not received his pension, adding to his financial woes. In his emotional appeal, he directly addresses prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo:
“I am wallowing in abject poverty in Chikomba West/Chivhu at a plot that I got through the land reform program. My disability worsens my plight, given my lack of resources. I want to play my part in ensuring the success of the Agrarian Reform, but without resources, it remains a pipe dream.”
Chivayo, a controversial figure known for his lavish lifestyle and association with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has a history of distributing significant sums of money and assets to individuals and organisations. While often praised for his generosity, these actions are frequently criticised as patronage rather than genuine philanthropy. Chivayo’s wealth is largely attributed to lucrative government tenders, including a controversial US$100 million deal with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, a contract that has attracted significant scrutiny. Despite facing his own corruption allegations and a past conviction, Chivayo has a reputation for high-profile acts of generosity.
Ncube acknowledged Chivayo’s reputation for generosity in his plea:
“I have heard a lot about your good works towards individuals and communities. Your gesture is in line with our beloved President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s vision to uplift the masses. It is in this spirit that I humbly ask for any assistance you can provide.”
Chivayo responded publicly to Ncube’s appeal via his own Facebook account, detailing his decision to assist:
“DRIVEN BY LOVE AND SYMPATHY…my attention has been drawn to a heartfelt plea after watching this heartbreaking video from Simon “Pashoma” Ncube, a former ZBC RADIO DJ who served our NATIONAL BROADCASTER with passion and dedication for many years. I remember when I was young PASHOMA NCUBE was a HOUSEHOLD NAME on Radio 2 (now Radio Zimbabwe), and many of us grew up listening to him. To now see him living in DESPAIR, without the PENSION he rightfully earned, is both painful and DEPLORABLE. The video, showing him on CRUTCHES and in visibly difficult conditions, left me deeply moved. It is devastating to witness someone who was once an ICON of Zimbabwean radio now struggling in such destitute circumstances.
“One simple thing that got my attention to your written message on X was your reference to our “BELOVED PRESIDENT”, His Excellency President E.D. MNANGAGWA. As someone whose love and loyalty to the PRESIDENT and his VISIONARY LEADERSHIP runs deep, your acknowledgment of his role in empowering indigenous Zimbabweans through the LAND REFORM PROGRAM resonates deeply with me. This acknowledgment that connected to our PRESIDENT’S LEGACY has been a significant factor in my decision to assist you. Your recognition of the transformative impact of his leadership aligns with my core values and the principles I uphold.
“In addition, your situation demanded my attention for other EXCEPTIONAL reasons. You served ZBC for many years but could not benefit from your PENSION due to the ILLEGAL SANCTIONS imposed on Zimbabwe, which have CRIPPLED our economy. You are also in CHIKOMBA WEST, CHIVHU, so uri HOMEBOY wangu as I also come from GANDAMI, Chivhu. Your living conditions and the fact that you are on crutches, uncertain if from a permanent disability or an accident, make it clear that you need URGENT HELP. Seeing someone of your stature in such a state left me no choice but to extend this ONCE-OFF and EXCEPTIONAL gesture.
“To assist you, on Monday next week please go and see my lawyer, MR. SIKHUMBUZO MPOFU of MUNANGATE AND ASSOCIATES in Harare, who will give you USD20,000 in CASH. He will also take you to ENTERPRISE CAR SALE, where MADZIBABA CHIPAGA will let you choose a SINGLE CAB truck valued at no more than USD15,000 to support your farming activities and improve your mobility. Please ensure whoever is going to be your driver has a valid LICENSE and can assist you in driving back to Chikomba safely.
“I wish I would have seen you and handover my SMALL donation but I am currently in PARIS on a business trip and unable to personally meet you. However, please use the resources WISELY, as I will not be able to assist you any further. Tengai Mombe dzeku rimisa ne ma farm implements ne FERTILIZER ne mbeu and everything necessary for you to use the LAND given to you by the GOVERNMENT productively. I hope to see a video in the NEAR future, showing how you have transformed your farm.
“May this gesture serve as a reminder of the importance of UNITY, PRODUCTIVITY, and EMPOWERMENT as we honor the vision of our BELOVED PRESIDENT and strive for a BETTER ZIMBABWE.”
Chivayo’s response details a significant financial contribution, including US$20,000 in cash and a truck valued at no more than US$15,000, to assist Ncube in his farming endeavours and improve his mobility. The gesture highlights the complexities of philanthropy in Zimbabwe, where acts of generosity are often intertwined with political motivations and personal connections.
