Mnangagwa, Chivayo raise eyebrows again

Corruption-accused tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo was a prominent feature during President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s visit to Bulawayo for the just-ended Zimbabwe Trade International Fair (ZITF) amid concerns over his proximity to the highest office in the country at a time questions are being raised about his source of wealth.

Chivayo was closely behind Mnangagwa and visiting Mozambican President Daniel Chapo when they toured the ZITF stands on Friday. He even overshadowed government ministers and other officials during the walkabout.

The previous day Chivayo was seen sitting with Mnangagwa’s sons at a banquet for Chapo that was hosted by the president at State House.

The controversial businessman was recently exposed by South Africa’s financial intelligence authorities in a scandal where over US$40 million of taxpayer funds meant for critical election materials allegedly flowed directly into his account.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Mozambican counterpart Daniel Chapo tour stands at the just-ended Zimbabwe International Trade Fair with controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo among government ministers and other officials being part of the walkabout.

The probe by South Africa’s Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) centred on Chivayo and his involvement in contracts awarded to South African printing company Ren-Form CC ahead of the country’s 2023 elections.

The FIC’s findings alleged that Zimbabwe’s Finance ministry paid over R1,1 billion (approximately US$61 million) to Ren-Form CC for the supply of election materials to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).

Approximately R800 million of the amount was allegedly subsequently transferred to accounts belonging to companies owned by Chivayo, including Intratrek Holdings and Dolintel Trading Enterprise.

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc), which last year said it was ready to charge Chivayo over the ZEC case, has been mum about the issue even after the revelations in South Africa.

Mnangagwa in February disassociated himself from Chivayo during a meeting with editors at State House.

He said Chivayo was a philanthropist, and that any citizen who felt that he had stolen their wealth must file a police report.

Former Zanu PF member Reason Wafawarova said Chivayo’s prominence at the ZITF where he overshadowed ministers reflected badly on the Office of the President.

“Under Mnangagwa, government protocol has been side-lined by a shadowy, parallel structure — what many refer to as the ‘Farm Cabinet’ — which now controls access to the president,” Wafawarova said.

“Wicknell Chivayo’s prominence — overshadowing vice presidents and Cabinet ministers at official events — is symptomatic of this capture.

“This is despite Chivayo’s tainted record: a convicted fraudster who served two years in prison, an individual exposed for looting R800 million through the corrupt ZEC procurement scandal for the 2023 elections, and for receiving millions of dollars in Treasury payments for undelivered goods and services.”

Former opposition Nkayi South Member of Parliament (MP), Abednico Bhebhe, said Chivayo’s proximity to a visiting head of state at the ZITF may also indicate his perceived influence or standing with Mnangagwa.

“Given Chivayo’s involvement in corruption scandals, this public display of association may imply Mnangagwa’s continued support or tolerance for Chivayo’s activities, potential influence or favours being exchanged and possible shared interests or business dealings,” Bhebhe said.

He said the developments could have implications for Mnangagwa’s administration, particularly regarding corruption perceptions and accountability.

“Under normal circumstances, investigations into these allegations would be necessary to determine the extent of Mnangagwa’s involvement or knowledge of Chivayo’s corrupt dealings,” Bhebhe said.

“Zimbabwe’s progress is hindered by systemic corruption, and Chivayo’s involvement in both the late Robert Mugabe and Mnangagwa’s administrations raises concerns about entrenched corruption.

Without change of government coupled with meaningful reforms, corruption may persist, hindering development and economic growth of Zimbabwe.”

Prominent political analyst Rejoice Ngwenya said the ZITF events dented Mnangagwa’s credibility.

“Actually, it’s not about Chivayo,” Ngwenya said. “Our reputation and integrity is usually measured against those with whom we associate. “The most sensible thing Mnangagwa could do is to disentangle himself from these crony capitalists until their legitimacy is confirmed.”

Zapu Bulawayo secretary Vivian Siziba said it was mind boggling that Chivayo has never been arrested given the massive corruption scandals linked to him.

“This is baffling to say the least,” Siziba said. “Chivayo has been fingered in many shady deals, which haemorrhage the national purse.

On the contrary, he is a free man and rubbing shoulders with the country’s No.1 Citizen to an extent of being part of the president’s entourage that engages foreign dignitaries during his state duties.

“In the light of the president’s awkward relationship with Chivayo, could people be wrong or persecuted for concluding that the main handler and protector is the president himself?”

Harare-based political commentator Reuben Mbofana said it was worrying that someone who was accused of massive corruption could be seen being close to the president.

“What we witnessed at the ZITF — with Wicknell Chivayo not only attending a state banquet but also visibly accompanying President Mnangagwa and President Chapo of Mozambique during the exhibition tour — speaks volumes,” Mbofana said.

“It completely contradicts previous denials by President Mnangagwa of having any association with Chivayo.

“This public display strongly suggests not only familiarity, but a close and privileged relationship. It is especially concerning that someone implicated in serious corruption scandals would be given such prominence at high-level state functions.

This undermines all efforts at promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Zimbabwe.

“The optics are damaging: they erode public trust in the presidency and send the wrong message — that proximity to power can shield individuals from scrutiny and consequences.

It also raises legitimate questions as to whether the government is genuinely committed to fighting corruption or is instead actively enabling it.

“Zimbabweans deserve leaders who are beyond reproach — not ones entangled with individuals facing credible allegations of massive looting and abuse of public resources.” The Standard