Harare – A storm of controversy is brewing in Zimbabwe, sparked by a confluence of events involving celebrated musician Jah Prayzah, controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, and the National Judicial Council of Vapostori (NJCV).
Jah Prayzah’s effusive praise for Chivayo, coupled with recent allegations surrounding Chivayo’s wealth and subsequent accidents involving gifted vehicles, has ignited a firestorm of debate across the nation.
The initial spark was ignited by Jah Prayzah’s Facebook post, a glowing tribute to Chivayo, showering him with praise for his generosity. The post, dripping with adoration, painted a picture of Chivayo as a philanthropist of unparalleled generosity.
“Born with an open hand that uplifts the orphans, the widows and less privileged. In front of you there are no strangers but only children of God, with this you are a blessing to this nation as we have never witnessed this huge kind of love. The gifts you offer are received by those who accept them like the rains from God that suddenly pour down, and we cast our seeds into the ground,” Jah Prayzah wrote.
He continued, in a longer statement also posted in Shona, further elaborating on Chivayo’s virtues:
“You were born with an open hand that uplifts the orphans, the widows and less privileged. In front of you there are no strangers but only children of God, with this you are a blessing to this nation as we have never witnessed this huge kind of love. The blessings that you get from the heavens, along with your hard-earned money you get from your own sweat, that you pray and fast for, you also give to others.
“You are like a large river that when it overflows it shares its waters to other rivers. Like a tree that, when it bears fruit, it drops some to sustain animals, birds, and humans. The gifts you offer are received by those who accept them like the rains from God that suddenly pour down, and we cast our seeds into the ground. Your name has not been raised through insults, criticism, or by belittling the spirit of others.
“Out of respect for you, we give you honor; your dignity will forever be associated with your name. Your actions increase the glory of God’s goodness. Everything you plan with your efforts may it succeed, may you be added with more wisdom because it enhances wealth through unification and reconciliation.
“May your health be preserved because it is the primary wealth. Continue to wipe away the tears of people because those are the blessings you have received. Happy new year to you, my brother Sir Wicknell.”
However, this seemingly innocuous post has provoked a strong backlash from Jah Prayzah’s fanbase. Many questioned the timing and context of the praise, given Chivayo’s controversial history as a tenderpreneur and the allegations of corruption that have dogged his career.
They pointed out the irony of praising someone for uplifting the less privileged while seemingly overlooking the questionable origins of his wealth. The comments section of Jah Prayzah’s post became a platform for expressing this widespread disillusionment, highlighting the deep-seated concerns about corruption within the country.
Adding fuel to the fire are recent reports of two separate car accidents involving vehicles gifted by Chivayo to members of the Vapostori church. These incidents, reported on the Zanu-PF Operation Restore Legacy Facebook page, involved Madzibaba Obey Mapuranga, spokesperson for the Vapostori and Mazion for President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and Madzibaba Owen Velvet.
The post stated: “The Spokesperson of Vapostori and Mazion for ED Madzibaba Obey Mapuranga had an accident on his way to Bulawayo for the advance mobilization of the Prayer Day, also Madzibaba Owen Velvet had an accident on his way back from Bulawayo due to heavy rains. Sir Wicknel vapamhai futi.” This led to speculation linking Chivayo’s wealth to “kuromba,” a practice involving alleged supernatural means to acquire wealth.
The NJCV has responded forcefully to these allegations, issuing a statement vehemently condemning the reports as malicious defamation. The statement, released on Thursday, defended Chivayo’s generosity, framing it as an act of faith and tithing rather than a practice linked to “kuromba.”
“The National Judicial Council of Vapostori stands united and alarmed in the face of a grave injustice—a malicious defamation of character launched by the Zimeye online newspaper on December 30, 2024. Buried within the pages of their article titled “Two Chivhayo Cars Involved in an Accident Same Day.” the newspaper falsely accused Sir Wicknell Chivhayo of orchestrating automotive gifts that have allegedly led to unfortunate incidents,” the statement read.
The council further emphasized Chivayo’s devotion to his faith and his charitable giving as stemming from a deep-seated religious conviction.
“This outrageous accusation strikes at the very heart of our faith—a direct attack on the sacred purity of the Vapostori religion, both in Zimbabwe and around the globe. Sir Wicknell Chivhayo, a cherished member of our community, extends his generosity not only to fellow Vapostori members but to all in need, driven by a profound heart that echoes divine compassion.
“The National Judicial Council of Vapostori feels compelled to rectify these baseless claims. Our faith has finally been blessed with an extraordinary man whose kindness knows no bounds—a man who fervently prays and fasts for the prosperity of his endeavors while diligently returning ten percent of his earnings to God through his charitable donations,” the statement continued.
The NJCV concluded by demanding a retraction from Zimeye and vowing to defend their faith against such attacks.
“We demand an immediate retraction from Zimeye, which has recklessly peddled an insidious narrative that only seeks to plant seeds of doubt about the source of Sir Wicknell Chivhayo’s generosity due to prior accidents. The NJCV firmly asserts that his spirit of giving is pure, embodying the very essence of divine grace. Rest assured, the National Judicial Council of Vapostori is resolute in defending our faith against these unfounded attacks. We will not stand idle while others seek to tarnish our reputation. We pledge to uphold the truth and set the record straight,” the statement concluded.
The confluence of Jah Prayzah’s endorsement, the allegations surrounding Chivayo’s wealth, and the NJCV’s strong defence has created a complex and highly charged situation in Zimbabwe.
