By Gabriel Manyati
Zimbabwe Newspapers Group (Zimpapers) has reportedly directed its employees at Capitalk FM to return most of the gifts distributed by businessman Wicknell Chivayo following his high-profile studio appearance on the station earlier this month.
During the 5 May 2026 interview with presenter Phathisani Sibanda, Chivayo handed over US$30 000 in cash intended as “lunch money” for about 30 staff members in the radio division. He also offered to upgrade Sibanda’s existing Toyota Aqua, previously gifted by the same businessman in 2024, to a newer Toyota Fortuner GD6 model.
Under a strict gifts policy introduced by Zimpapers in 2024, employees are prohibited from accepting any gift valued above US$100 and must declare all such items to the company. Each of the 30 workers will be permitted to retain US$100, with the balance of US$27 000 expected to be returned to the donor. A company executive emphasised that the policy aims to preserve editorial independence and eliminate any perception of undue influence or bribery.
Insiders indicated that Zimpapers had suggested the surplus funds could alternatively be channelled as a donation to the company for purchasing vehicles for broader staff use. Sibanda, who transitioned from independent contractor to full-time employee in January this year, has reportedly been given an ultimatum to decline the vehicle offer or face immediate resignation.
The development revives memories of the 2024 controversy when Chivayo gifted Toyota Aqua vehicles to Sibanda and colleague Tinashe Chikuse, prompting Zimpapers to formalise its ethics guidelines shortly thereafter.
Chivayo has made headlines for similar large-scale donations of cash and luxury vehicles to journalists, musicians, athletes, and community groups across Zimbabwe.
This latest episode underscores the ongoing tension between personal generosity and institutional efforts to maintain journalistic standards in a challenging economic environment.
Zimpapers, which operates several media outlets including The Herald, says it continues to prioritise transparency amid public scrutiny.
