WICKNELL CHIVAYO’S MILLION-DOLLAR SCANDAL SHOWS HOW DEEP ZANU PF’S CORRUPTION RUNS
Wicknell Chivayo is a name that makes noise wherever it goes. To some, he is a rich businessman. To others, he is just a show-off who uses politics to get money. His expensive cars, designer clothes, and public donations have made him famous. But today, all that shine is turning dark. A US$100 million scandal has surrounded him — and this time, it might expose more than just his greed. It might show how deep corruption goes under ZANU PF’s rule.
The story began with Zimbabwe’s 2023 elections. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) gave a tender to a South African company called Ren-Form CC to supply election materials. The contract was worth R1.2 billion, which is around US$66 million. But reports show that out of that, R800 million — more than US$40 million — found its way to Chivayo and companies linked to him. The big question is simple: how did he get that money when he never won the tender?
Chivayo was not part of the deal on paper. He had no official contract with ZEC. Yet somehow, his name keeps coming up. Both Zimbabwean and South African authorities are now investigating what happened. The South African Financial Intelligence Centre is already looking into suspicious bank transfers. People are talking about money laundering and secret payments. It is clear that this is not just gossip — something serious is going on.
When the news first broke through NewsHawks and later other media, many Zimbabweans were not surprised. They have seen this pattern too many times — government deals ending up in private pockets. But this time, the amount is shocking. This was money meant for an election, money that should have been used to make sure voting was fair and transparent. Instead, it became another feeding trough for the powerful.
Chivayo has tried to clear his name, but his defense has only made things worse. On social media, he posted a long message full of anger and pride. He said he did nothing wrong. He said people were jealous of his success and that he was simply a hardworking man. He even mocked the public, saying those who don’t understand contracts should go to night school. But behind the insults, he gave no real answers. If he never worked with ZEC, why did his companies receive over US$40 million?
He says there is no crime, no missing money, and no complainant. But the investigations are still going on. He blames the media, the opposition, and even people living in exile. But he cannot blame everyone forever. The truth will not disappear.
The people of Zimbabwe are angry and tired. They are tired of corruption, of fake tenders, and of leaders who use politics to steal. Hospitals have no medicine, schools are falling apart, and roads are full of potholes. Yet, those close to power drive luxury cars and live in mansions. This is the painful story of a country captured by greed.
Chivayo dreams of becoming Zimbabwe’s youngest billionaire. But this time, his dream might turn into a nightmare. The law is finally closing in, and the people are no longer silent. This case is not only about one man. It is about a system that has destroyed a nation. ZANU PF’s corruption has made Zimbabwe poor, not because the country lacks resources, but because the powerful keep stealing them.
The world is watching. The people are watching. And even if it takes time, justice will come.
Makatangirwa neDare, Wicknell.
