KEY POINTS
- Mnangagwa denies funding Chivayo’s political gifts.
- Chiwenga subtly criticizes Chivayo’s business practices.
- Geza raises concerns about Chivayo’s wealth and Mnangagwa’s role.
Claims that businessman Wicknell Chivayo is serving as his go-between, giving cars and financial donations to people, mostly in the ruling Zanu-PF party and the art world, have been rejected by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Mnangagwa defends Chivayo amid political gift controversy
In stark contrast to his deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who has implied that Chivayo is a corrupt businessman, Mnangagwa supported Chivayo as a philanthropist.
There have been rumors that Mnangagwa is using Chivayo to give important people, especially artists, presents, including expensive and low-cost cars, in an attempt to garner support for a potential extension of his presidency. However, Mnangagwa has insisted that he will abdicate in 2028 in accordance with the constitution.
Mnangagwa refuted claims that he is supporting Chivayo’s generosity during a period when Zimbabwe’s economy and social services are faltering, when speaking to reporters at State House on Monday.
“Where could I find the funds to reimburse him?” Mnangagwa stated.
“Instead of wasting my time worrying about someone who is using his own money, look into where you think I’m getting the money to give Chivayo to distribute.” You can’t trouble me about a charitable person. Anyone should notify the police if their money was stolen.
Chivayo has been observed distributing cars and cash all throughout Zimbabwe, occasionally flinging bills into crowds, which has caused desperate Zimbabweans to rush for the cash. Chiwenga has adopted a different stance from Mnangagwa, who presents him as a kind benefactor.
Speaking at a memorial service at the National Heroes Acre last month, Chiwenga subtly criticized Chivayo by calling him a “chigananda”, a phrase that suggests engagement in questionable business practices at the detriment of others, without specifically naming him.
“Vision 2030 applies to everyone, not just the people you refer to as mbinga.” We referred to them as zvigananda throughout the liberation fight, Chiwenga stated.
Chivayo fuels speculation with open support for term extension
Adding fuel to the fire, Chivayo has openly supported an extension of Mnangagwa’s time as president, claiming on X, formerly Twitter, that the Zanu-PF leader’s vision must be respected.
According to New Zimbabwe, Chivayo has also come under fire from Blessed Geza, a war veteran and vocal member of the Zanu-PF Central Committee who is currently being sought by police following a heated press conference demanding Mnangagwa’s resignation due to corruption.
Geza has implied that Mnangagwa is using Chivayo as a diversion by questioning the source of his money.
