Zimpapers orders staff to return Chivayo cash gifts, gives presenter vehicle ultimatum

Zimbabwe Newspapers Group has moved to enforce its internal ethics policy after controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo distributed cash gifts to staff during a visit to Capitalk FM and offered a vehicle upgrade to one of the station’s presenters.

According to company insiders, Chivayo handed out US$30,000 intended as “lunch money” for employees within the radio division. The money was reportedly meant to be shared among 30 staff members.

He also separately offered radio personality Phathisani Sibanda a 2025 Toyota GD6 as an upgrade from his current Toyota Aqua.

However, Zimpapers management reportedly intervened, citing a gifts policy introduced in 2024 that bars employees from accepting gifts worth more than US$100 without company approval.

Under the policy, each employee will reportedly be allowed to keep only US$100 from the cash distribution, while the remaining US$27,000 must be returned.

The company has also reportedly instructed Sibanda to decline the vehicle offer or resign from his position.

The ethics policy was introduced after Chivayo previously gifted Sibanda a Toyota Aqua during another radio appearance in 2024. At that time, Sibanda was working as an independent contractor rather than a full-time employee, limiting the company’s ability to take disciplinary action.

He later joined Zimpapers as a permanent employee in January this year.

A senior company official, speaking anonymously, said the policy was intended to protect editorial standards and avoid perceptions that journalists or broadcasters could be influenced through expensive gifts.

Zimpapers chief executive William Chikoto confirmed the enforcement of the policy, stating that staff members are prohibited from accepting gifts exceeding the approved threshold.

Sources within the company said management has also explored the possibility of redirecting the remaining funds into a formal corporate donation that could be used to purchase vehicles for broader staff use rather than benefiting individuals directly.

The incident has sparked debate on social media and within journalism circles about ethics, influence and the relationship between media personalities and wealthy public figures.

Chivayo has become known for making high-profile donations and gifting luxury items to musicians, celebrities and public personalities, often generating widespread attention online.

The latest controversy has now placed renewed focus on ethical boundaries within Zimbabwe’s media industry and the challenges organisations face in balancing professional standards with difficult economic realities.