Mnangagwa’s questionable ties with Wicknell Chivayo spark outrage
HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s close ties with controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo have sparked outrage and raised questions about the President’s judgement.
Chivayo, a former convict, played a prominent role during Kenyan President William Ruto’s state visit last week, overshadowing top government officials and sparking criticism from political analysts.
“It’s embarrassing and disreputable for a whole president to accommodate his cronies on state business,” said former Finance minister Tendai Biti.
“He has put our international relations into disrepute, and it’s not acceptable.”
Chivayo’s presence during the state visit was widely noticed, with many taking to social media to question his role.
“When a dignitary like President William Ruto comes to Zimbabwe, we expect the president to be flanked by his deputy or deputies and his cabinet ministers, not by a convicted criminal,” said Farai Maguwu, director of the Centre for Natural Resources and Governance.
“Organised crime has become the norm; we are seeing a person like Chivayo presiding over state functions, and that shows state capture.”
Chivayo has been dishing out cars, cash, and other goodies to individuals he claims supported Mnangagwa’s re-election in the disputed 2023 elections.
“Your contribution and continued support at Zanu PF rallies and national events throughout the years, together with the significant contribution you have made in the music industry, will never be forgotten,” Chivayo posted on social media, announcing a gift to singer Majahawodwa Ndlovu, popularly known as Jeys Marabini.
Political analyst Tendai Reuben Mbofana said Mnangagwa has surrounded himself with corrupt figures.
“In a normal country, Chivayo should be investigated over the source of his riches,” Mbofana said.
Chivayo claims he cuts multi-million dollar deals across the region and has lucrative power and energy ventures in South Africa and other countries.
His source of wealth, however, remains a mystery, and a leaked Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission memo revealed that the anti-graft body tried to investigate Chivayo’s source of wealth last year but abandoned the investigation for unknown reasons.
The presidency has not commented on Chivayo’s role during the state visit, but Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba said Chivayo was “just a businessman” who happened to be at the airport.
Critics, however, say Chivayo’s proximity to the President and his involvement in state functions raise serious questions about corruption and state capture.
