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Zimbabwean Tycoon Wicknell Chivayo Gifts Cars and Cash, Sparking Both Awe and Suspicion
A flamboyant tycoon in Zimbabwe, Wicknell Chivayo, has captivated the nation, stirring a mix of fascination and unease with his practice of gifting luxury vehicles and substantial cash sums to individuals he considers patriotic. This controversial figure, known for his opulent displays of wealth, has become a subject of intense public interest and scrutiny, raising questions about the origins of his affluence in a country grappling with economic hardships. The luxury car gifts have drawn both admiration and criticism.
Lavish Gifts and Beneficiaries
Mercedes-Benz, Toyota SUVs, and Range Rovers are the preferred vehicles donated by Wicknell Chivayo to recipients. These beneficiaries include a diverse group ranging from prominent musical artists and struggling gospel singers to esteemed footballers, influential church leaders, and loyalists of the ruling Zanu-PF party. His generosity extends even to individuals he has never encountered personally.
“Sir Wicknell’s” Extravagant Lifestyle
The 44-year-old businessman, who styles himself “Sir Wicknell,” favors a white Rolls Royce. Chivayo boasts a collection of customized luxury vehicles, some of which he has started donating as he acquires newer models. While he openly showcases his spending habits on social media, the source of his wealth has come under close examination, especially given Zimbabwe’s challenging economic circumstances.
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Social Media Displays and Donations
Over the past year, Chivayo’s social media presence has been dominated by posts highlighting his charitable donations. Typically, these posts feature a photograph of a pristine car adorned with balloons, often accompanied by a large bow on the hood. The captions congratulate the recipient and provide instructions for collecting the vehicle from one of the luxury car dealerships he frequents in Harare.
- “Please GO AND SEE VICTOR at EXQUISITE MOTORS, your brand new 2025 Range Rover Autobiography is FULLY PAID FOR and ready for collection,” he informed renowned musician Jah Prayzah last month. He added that $150,000 in cash was also available for him.
- “This is just a small token of my gratitude for your IMMENSE contribution to Zimbabwean music and your patriotism in uniting thousands of people through music, preaching PEACE, preaching LOVE and preaching UNITY in every song.”
The frequency of his public giveaways has intensified recently, with humorous memes about his philanthropy being reposted. Zanu-PF-affiliated social media accounts have lauded Chivayo for his acts of generosity, praising his philanthropic endeavors.
Philanthropy Beyond the Public Eye
In addition to his publicized gifts, “Sir Wicknell” has privately provided houses and educational scholarships to members of his apostolic church, the Zion Christian Church, known for their white attire and outdoor worship services.
Zimbabwe’s “Flex Culture”
The affable, stout businessman has become a symbol of Zimbabwe’s burgeoning “flex culture,” characterized by the overt display of wealth both in person and online.
- “$hopping and spending money are just some of my hobbies,” he shared in 2013, marking his Instagram debut with a photo of a hotel trolley laden with his purchases.
- Shortly after, he quipped, “Damn being rich is a headache at times,” accompanied by a photo showcasing his extensive shoe collection as he deliberated between Louis Vuittons and Salvatore Ferragamos.
His social media feed continues to feature vacations to Dubai, New York, Paris, and London, along with business excursions to Johannesburg, Shanghai, and New Delhi. Recent posts highlight his acquisition of a private jet.
Proximity to Power
Chivayo frequently showcases his connections to influential figures, posting images alongside Zimbabwean politicians, including the late President Robert Mugabe, his successor Emmerson Mnangagwa, and other African leaders like Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan and Kenya’s William Ruto. These connections give rise to concerns about the source of his wealth and his connections.
Allegations and Associations
One businessman, who preferred to remain anonymous, told the BBC that Mr. Chivayo is politically protected and keeps close tabs on how every cent is spent.
In his 2011 memoir, Cry Havoc, the late British mercenary Simon Mann recounted his time in Chikurubi Maximum Prison, stating that Chivayo advised him against criticizing Zanu-PF.
The pair, incarcerated in the same cell block, developed a friendship, with Chivayo famously stating, “In Africa the unsolicited gift is massively powerful.”
Intratrek Zimbabwe and Controversy
In 2013, a pivotal year for Chivayo, his company Intratrek Zimbabwe partnered with a Chinese firm to secure a $172.8 million tender for constructing a solar power plant.
However, the project became mired in fraud allegations. Court records indicated that Intratrek received an advance to commence work on the 100MW plant in Gwanda but failed to meet the state-owned Zimbabwe Power Company’s (ZPC) expectations.
Chivayo subsequently sued ZPC for contract cancellation, winning the case and later being acquitted of all criminal charges.
Limited Media Engagement
Sir Wicknell tends to avoid the media, expressing his dislike of journalists and respectfully declining interview requests.
During a rare appearance on a breakfast radio show last year, he attributed his wealth to government tenders secured with foreign partners in renewable energy, engineering procurement, construction, and power projects. He also mentioned business ventures in Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania.
Late last year, his company, IMC Communications, was licensed as the partner for Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service provider.
Chivayo often characterizes himself as a hardworking “hustler” and attributes his success to his humble beginnings in Chitungwiza, where his family struggled following his father’s death.
Political Ties and Anti-Corruption Inquiries
A staunch Zanu-PF supporter, Chivayo has credited the party’s empowerment policy, launched in 2013, for his success. While some view him as an embodiment of this indigenization policy, others suspect that his wealth may stem from corruption and questionable relationships with individuals in positions of power. Accusations he firmly denies.
President Mnangagwa has dismissed claims that Chivayo is acting as his frontman, affirming the businessman’s right to be philanthropic.
Last year, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission launched an inquiry following allegations by South African organization Open Secrets that Chivayo received millions for facilitating a tender to supply election materials to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) in 2023.
The scandal intensified with a leaked audio message purportedly featuring Mr. Chivayo implying kickbacks and influence over deals. However, Zec denied any dealings with Chivayo, and he denied the allegations. As of now, ZACC has not charged anyone.
Recent Controversies
Recently, a leaked document from March has sparked controversy, alleging a $500 million contract involving a company with Mr. Chivayo listed as a director, to supply cancer treatment equipment to the Zimbabwean government over four years.
Critics argue that the contract did not undergo a public tendering process. Both the government and Chivayo have dismissed the allegations, highlighting that the contract remains unsigned.
Chivayo has dismissed the allegations as a desperate attempt for political relevance.
Despite the controversies, the father of two asserts his disinterest in politics and remains focused on accumulating wealth, determined to overcome his “haters.” However, his close association with influential figures ensures that he will continue to be a figure of controversy.