A public war of words has broken out between businessman Wicknell Chivayo and activist Rutendo Matinyarare over the reported cost of Chivayo’s newly acquired luxury mansion in Cape Town’s exclusive Clifton suburb.
The dispute was triggered after Matinyarare alleged on X that Chivayo had exaggerated the value of the property, claiming the businessman stated he had spent R160 million when the purchase price was allegedly R90 million.
Matinyarare further claimed that the alleged discrepancy had drawn the attention of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), which he said was seeking to establish the property’s true purchase price and whether the correct transfer duties had been paid.
“Apparently, Sir Wicknell has caused a huge crisis for Pam Golding Estate Agents with SARS by lying that he bought his house for R160 million when he actually paid R90 million,” Matinyarare wrote.
He alleged that SARS was following up with the estate agency, the previous owner and Chivayo himself regarding the transaction.
Matinyarare did not provide evidence supporting the claim, and neither SARS nor Pam Golding Properties has publicly commented on the allegations.
Chivayo responded in a lengthy post on X, dismissing Matinyarare’s claims as “the highest level of ignorance” and accusing him of attempting to extort wealthy individuals.
The businessman insisted he had not misrepresented the amount he spent on the property, explaining that while the house itself was purchased for R110 million, he invested an additional R50 million on renovations, imported finishes, bespoke Italian marble, teak furniture and luxury vehicles associated with the residence.
“As for this Cape Town property, it was listed and offered at a price of R110 million as the purchase price. However, the property was incomplete in my view and its aesthetics and finishes were not to my standard and taste,” Chivayo wrote.
“I had to spend an extra R50 million buying bespoke finishes in high-end Italian-imported marble and the finest teak wood furniture, bringing the total amount spent to exactly R160 million.”
He added that the total also included approximately R10 million spent on a Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 and two Mercedes-Benz V300 vehicles for his security team.
Chivayo said he had no reason to misrepresent the amount he spent and maintained that the property had been fully paid for without a mortgage.
“It is not as if I owe you any explanation… Whether I bought it for R90 million or R160 million, the title remains in my name and I took occupation,” he said.
The businessman also accused Matinyarare of tracking his movements, attempting to gather information about his business affairs and seeking material that could be used to blackmail him.
The exchange follows Chivayo’s announcement earlier this week that he and his family had moved into the Clifton mansion after completing extensive interior work.
He said the total investment amounted to R160 million, including renovations and furnishings, and thanked interior designer Stephen Pelerade and Pelerade Design House for completing the project.
The four-bedroom luxury residence was designed by the renowned Cape Town architectural firm SAOTA and is located in one of South Africa’s most prestigious residential neighbourhoods, overlooking Table Bay and Robben Island.
The acquisition places Chivayo among a growing list of high-profile Clifton residents, including internationally acclaimed South African DJ Black Coffee.
It also follows several other high-profile purchases by the businessman, including a mansion in Harare’s Chishawasha Hills, a Gulfstream G550 private jet reportedly valued at US$34 million and his recent acquisition of Eswatini citizenship.
The latest dispute comes amid an increasingly acrimonious relationship between Chivayo and Matinyarare.
In recent weeks, Matinyarare has levelled a series of allegations against Chivayo relating to sanctions lobbying and business dealings, while Chivayo has repeatedly rejected the claims and accused the activist of attempting to extort successful businessmen.
Neither SARS nor South African authorities have publicly confirmed that any investigation into the Clifton property is underway.
Later in the day on Saturday, Matinyarare made a peace offering;
“Wicknell, it’s unfortunate that I wrote this yesterday before the Presidential Advisor called for unity, reconciliation and nation building.
“And in the spirit of reconciliation and nation building I want to say, I apologise for the post. Whether true or not, it was a provocation, in bad taste and unnecessary on my part.
“I feel we have had too much toxicity over the past few months and I believe it’s time we end it. On this one, you have the last say.
“I actually enjoy this kind of sparring but the issue is it doesn’t build a nation or our national image. We can’t afford this level of division. Apologies!!!” Matinyarare wrote.
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