By Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube, Zim GBC News Editor
HARARE – In a move that has ignited both praise and criticism across the nation, flamboyant businessman Wicknell Chivayo has gifted thirteen high-end vehicles and US$100,000 in cash to leaders of the Johanne Masowe apostolic sect, specifically recognizing their role in mobilizing support for President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the ruling ZANU PF party.
The extravagant donation, announced through Chivayo’s characteristic lengthy social media post on Monday, comes amid growing concern from government officials and the public about the source of his wealth and the morality of such lavish gifts while national institutions like hospitals crumble and orphanages struggle to survive.
The Lavish Gifts
Chivayo, who recently joined the Johanne Masowe Echishanu congregation, described the decision as “one of the most profound” of his life, praising the church’s teachings for promoting “compassion, unity, and respect for the State.”
He specifically singled out two senior church leaders for their political work: Madzibaba Moses of Gwanzura, Highfield, and Madzibaba Owen of Chitungwiza, crediting them with spearheading the “Vapostori for ED” movement that rallied apostolic sect members behind ZANU PF in the 2023 elections.
In recognition of their efforts, each of the two leaders will receive a brand-new 2025 Toyota Fortuner 4×4 and US$50,000 in cash. Moses’s assistant, Madzibaba Forbes Chikobvu, will also receive a Toyota Fortuner 2.4 GD6.
Additionally, both Moses and Owen were granted the authority to select five loyal church members each, who will receive vehicles—specifically, one Toyota Hilux pickup truck and four Toyota Aqua models per branch. This brings the total gesture to at least 13 vehicles and US$100,000 in cash, which Chivayo described as a “token of appreciation for prayer, sacrifice, and tireless devotion to both the Church and the Nation.”
Political Tensions and Defiance
The very public donation comes just days after Vice President Constantino Chiwenga took another sharp swipe at Chivayo’s practice of distributing luxury vehicles, criticizing it as a dangerous influence on the nation’s youth.
“While young people are perishing by abusing drugs and substances, others are told that, ‘I will give you a car tomorrow free of charge,'” Chiwenga said during an Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Campaign at New Highfields Roman Catholic Church on Sunday, drawing cheers from the congregation. Although he did not mention Chivayo by name, the reference was unmistakable.
Chiwenga has consistently denounced corruption as a “national security threat” and has previously used the Shona term “chigananda”—a derogatory label for those who flaunt sudden wealth with no clear or traceable source of income—in what many believe was a direct criticism of Chivayo.
This public disagreement highlights the growing factional tensions within ZANU-PF. In January 2025, Chivayo publicly criticized VP Chiwenga, describing him as a “failed politician” after Chiwenga made remarks on corruption within the party. This latest act of very public generosity, coming immediately after the VP’s criticism, is being interpreted by many analysts as a bold act of political defiance, showcasing Chivayo’s confidence in his political protection.
Questioning the Source of Wealth and Priorities
Chivayo’s latest giveaway has once again ignited intense public debate and scrutiny regarding the mysterious source of his immense wealth.
“Where does this wealth come from?” questioned Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi in a recent editorial, pointing out the perplexing nature of such vast resources amid Zimbabwe’s widespread economic challenges, including soaring unemployment and rampant inflation.
Many citizens and activists are asking why Chivayo’s generosity is directed at political and celebrity figures rather than toward critical national needs. Zimbabwe’s public hospitals are in a dire state, often lacking basic medicines, equipment, and functioning infrastructure.
When previously challenged on why he doesn’t donate to hospitals, Chivayo offered a startlingly blunt defence: “I don’t work for the ministry of health,” stating he would thus continue buying luxury cars for those that endear themselves to him.
This stance has drawn sharp criticism from social activists. A worker from the Hope for a Child in Chris (HOCiC),
“Our nation is suffering… no donation to orphanages and someone is busy dishing out luxury cars to the selfish and greedy singers.” The HFZC founder is now compiling a list of all beneficiaries to petition President Mnangagwa to stop what they call a “nonsensical menace,” arguing that this “ill-gotten wealth” should benefit vulnerable children instead.
A business associate who has previously dealt with Chivayo and asked to remain anonymous told the BBC,
“It’s clear that he is politically protected.”
A Pattern of Calculated Generosity
This donation to the apostolic sect leaders is not an isolated event but part of a well-established pattern of lavish gifting that has defined Chivayo’s public persona over the past year.
In May 2025 alone, he gifted veteran broadcaster Reuben Barwe a 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser and US$100,000 in cash. Around the same time, he gave musician Jah Prayzah a 2025 Range Rover Autobiography and US$150,000 to celebrate the launch of a new album.
Investigations have revealed that Chivayo spent over US$9.3 million on luxury cars and gifts within a single 12-month period. His company, Intratrek Zimbabwe, has secured numerous government contracts, most notably the controversial US$173 million Gwanda Solar Project, which has faced significant delays despite substantial advance payments.
National Reaction
The public reaction to Chivayo’s latest giveaway is deeply divided, mirroring the country’s complex relationship with his flamboyant philanthropy.
On social media, supporters and beneficiaries shower him with praise. One Facebook commenter, Whatts Power, wrote, “Your selfless acts of kindness are inspiring others to follow in your footsteps… You’re a beacon of hope for many.”
However, others express frustration and anger. Another social media user, Minah Phiri, commented,
“We don’t say he doesn’t give…he must always be on the look.out for less privileged people.”
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has previously launched inquiries into Chivayo’s dealings, including allegations of facilitating a multi-million dollar tender to supply election materials, but no charges have ever been brought against him.
This story was compiled by Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube, Editor of Zim GBC News. For feedback and comments, please contact editor@zimgbcnews.co.zw.
Wicknell Chivayo’s Lavish Donations to Apostolic Leaders Spark National Debate
Tuesday 26 August 2025
By Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube, Zim GBC News Editor
August 26, 2025
HARARE – In a move that has ignited both praise and criticism across the nation, flamboyant businessman Wicknell Chivayo has gifted thirteen high-end vehicles and US$100,000 in cash to leaders of the Johanne Masowe apostolic sect, specifically recognizing their role in mobilizing support for President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the ruling ZANU PF party.
The extravagant donation, announced through Chivayo’s characteristic lengthy social media post on Monday, comes amid growing concern from government officials and the public about the source of his wealth and the morality of such lavish gifts while national institutions like hospitals crumble and orphanages struggle to survive.
The Lavish Gifts
Chivayo, who recently joined the Johanne Masowe Echishanu congregation, described the decision as “one of the most profound” of his life, praising the church’s teachings for promoting “compassion, unity, and respect for the State.”
He specifically singled out two senior church leaders for their political work: Madzibaba Moses of Gwanzura, Highfield, and Madzibaba Owen of Chitungwiza, crediting them with spearheading the “Vapostori for ED” movement that rallied apostolic sect members behind ZANU PF in the 2023 elections.
In recognition of their efforts, each of the two leaders will receive a brand-new 2025 Toyota Fortuner 4×4 and US$50,000 in cash. Moses’s assistant, Madzibaba Forbes Chikobvu, will also receive a Toyota Fortuner 2.4 GD6.
Additionally, both Moses and Owen were granted the authority to select five loyal church members each, who will receive vehicles—specifically, one Toyota Hilux pickup truck and four Toyota Aqua models per branch. This brings the total gesture to at least 13 vehicles and US$100,000 in cash, which Chivayo described as a “token of appreciation for prayer, sacrifice, and tireless devotion to both the Church and the Nation.”
Political Tensions and Defiance
The very public donation comes just days after Vice President Constantino Chiwenga took another sharp swipe at Chivayo’s practice of distributing luxury vehicles, criticizing it as a dangerous influence on the nation’s youth.
“While young people are perishing by abusing drugs and substances, others are told that, ‘I will give you a car tomorrow free of charge,'” Chiwenga said during an Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Campaign at New Highfields Roman Catholic Church on Sunday, drawing cheers from the congregation. Although he did not mention Chivayo by name, the reference was unmistakable.
Chiwenga has consistently denounced corruption as a “national security threat” and has previously used the Shona term “chigananda”—a derogatory label for those who flaunt sudden wealth with no clear or traceable source of income—in what many believe was a direct criticism of Chivayo.
This public disagreement highlights the growing factional tensions within ZANU-PF. In January 2025, Chivayo publicly criticized VP Chiwenga, describing him as a “failed politician” after Chiwenga made remarks on corruption within the party. This latest act of very public generosity, coming immediately after the VP’s criticism, is being interpreted by many analysts as a bold act of political defiance, showcasing Chivayo’s confidence in his political protection.
Questioning the Source of Wealth and Priorities
Chivayo’s latest giveaway has once again ignited intense public debate and scrutiny regarding the mysterious source of his immense wealth.
“Where does this wealth come from?” questioned Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi in a recent editorial, pointing out the perplexing nature of such vast resources amid Zimbabwe’s widespread economic challenges, including soaring unemployment and rampant inflation.
Many citizens and activists are asking why Chivayo’s generosity is directed at political and celebrity figures rather than toward critical national needs. Zimbabwe’s public hospitals are in a dire state, often lacking basic medicines, equipment, and functioning infrastructure.
When previously challenged on why he doesn’t donate to hospitals, Chivayo offered a startlingly blunt defence: “I don’t work for the ministry of health,” stating he would thus continue buying luxury cars for those that endear themselves to him.
This stance has drawn sharp criticism from social activists. A worker from the Hope for a Child in Chris (HOCiC),
“Our nation is suffering… no donation to orphanages and someone is busy dishing out luxury cars to the selfish and greedy singers.” The HFZC founder is now compiling a list of all beneficiaries to petition President Mnangagwa to stop what they call a “nonsensical menace,” arguing that this “ill-gotten wealth” should benefit vulnerable children instead.
A business associate who has previously dealt with Chivayo and asked to remain anonymous told the BBC,
“It’s clear that he is politically protected.”
A Pattern of Calculated Generosity
This donation to the apostolic sect leaders is not an isolated event but part of a well-established pattern of lavish gifting that has defined Chivayo’s public persona over the past year.
In May 2025 alone, he gifted veteran broadcaster Reuben Barwe a 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser and US$100,000 in cash. Around the same time, he gave musician Jah Prayzah a 2025 Range Rover Autobiography and US$150,000 to celebrate the launch of a new album.
Investigations have revealed that Chivayo spent over US$9.3 million on luxury cars and gifts within a single 12-month period. His company, Intratrek Zimbabwe, has secured numerous government contracts, most notably the controversial US$173 million Gwanda Solar Project, which has faced significant delays despite substantial advance payments.
National Reaction
The public reaction to Chivayo’s latest giveaway is deeply divided, mirroring the country’s complex relationship with his flamboyant philanthropy.
On social media, supporters and beneficiaries shower him with praise. One Facebook commenter, Whatts Power, wrote, “Your selfless acts of kindness are inspiring others to follow in your footsteps… You’re a beacon of hope for many.”
However, others express frustration and anger. Another social media user, Minah Phiri, commented,
“We don’t say he doesn’t give…he must always be on the look.out for less privileged people.”
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has previously launched inquiries into Chivayo’s dealings, including allegations of facilitating a multi-million dollar tender to supply election materials, but no charges have ever been brought against him.
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This story was compiled by Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube, Editor of Zim GBC News. For feedback and comments, please contact editor@zimgbcnews.co.zw.
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