Wicknell Chivayo is a name that most Zimbabweans recognise instantly. Known for flashing his wealth and bragging about his political connections, he has long posed as a successful businessman. His close ties to President Emmerson Mnangagwa have made him untouchable in the eyes of many. But now the mask is slipping. A massive US$100 million scandal has dragged his name into the dirt. Money meant for the 2023 elections is at the centre of the storm and there are strong signs that large sums ended up where they should not have.
It all started with a tender awarded by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. A South African company called Ren-Form CC was chosen to supply election materials. The contract was worth R1.2 billion, or about US$66 million. But shockingly Chivayo received R800 million of that amount which is over US$40 million. The question on everyone’s mind is simple. How did he get it when he was not even part of the official deal
Chivayo did not bid for the tender. His name was not on the documents. Yet money flowed into companies linked to him. There are reports of shady bank transfers and possible money laundering. Both Zimbabwean and South African authorities are digging into the matter. It began with a NewsHawks report and has now turned into a full-scale investigation by South Africa’s Financial Intelligence Centre. The noise is getting louder and the smoke is becoming harder to ignore.
This week Chivayo posted a long and emotional defence on social media. He denied any wrongdoing and accused others of being jealous. He said he works hard and told his critics to go to night school if they do not understand contracts. But his words were confused and defensive. Instead of clearing his name his rant made things worse. He looked desperate. And many believe he has something to hide.
He also claimed he never worked with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. But that raises more questions. If he truly had nothing to do with the election tender then why did he receive US$40 million from it His explanations were full of holes. He insisted no money was missing and no crime had been committed. But the investigations are ongoing and the facts will not disappear because of angry Facebook posts.
Chivayo then turned to blame the usual suspects. He pointed fingers at the media the opposition and Zimbabweans in exile. He called it all a political attack. But in doing so he avoided the main issue. Why was he paid millions for a job he was never hired to do
Zimbabweans are tired. Tired of the looting. Tired of fake tenders. Tired of watching connected elites grow richer while hospitals have no medicine and schools fall apart. This scandal is just the latest proof that under ZANU PF rule corruption is not a bug in the system. It is the system. Every dollar stolen from the people deepens poverty and despair. Yet men like Chivayo laugh their way to the bank backed by a political machine that rewards loyalty over law.
Chivayo dreams of becoming Zimbabwe’s youngest billionaire. He boasts that no one can stop him. But maybe this time the truth will. Maybe this time justice will not be bought. The people are watching. The world is watching. And even those who used to protect him may soon turn away.
This is bigger than Chivayo. This is about a system that steals elections using public money. This is about how Zimbabwe remains poor while thieves thrive. Let the investigations go deep. Let the truth shine. One way or another justice will arrive.
Makatangirwa neDare Wicknell. The game is changing.
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