By Gabriel Manyati
Controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo has issued a stinging response to reports that the Zimbabwe Newspapers Group (Zimpapers) ordered its Capitalk FM staff to reject his latest round of lavish donations.
In a statement released on social media, the businessman expressed profound surprise at the backlash, characterising his actions as a “simple act of GRATITUDE towards hardworking Zimbabweans performing NATIONAL SERVICE.”
A “Soft Spot” for State Institutions
Chivayo defended his decision to distribute US30 000 in “lunch money” and offer luxury vehicles to radio personnel by citing his unwavering support for the ruling Zanu PF party. He claimed that as a “PATRIOTIC citizen,” he maintains a “SOFT SPOT” for government and state-owned entities.
According to his account, the cash distribution of US1 000 per person was personally approved and facilitated by Capitalk FM General Manager Comfort Mbofana, who allegedly “personally escorted” Chivayo to his vehicle to receive the funds on behalf of 30 staff members.
Legal Move to Reclaim Surplus Funds
Following the news that Zimpapers intends to enforce a strict US100 gift limit introduced in 2024, Chivayo has moved to reclaim the remaining US27 000.
He stated that his lawyer, Sikhumbuzo Mpofu, has been instructed to collect the money from Mbofana “WITHOUT FAIL” today.
In a mocking jab at the station manager, the tenderpreneur suggested the returned funds could assist with “unleaded FUEL for his latest RANGE ROVER AUTOBIOGRAPHY,” adding that the manager “probably needs it MORE than I do.”
The “Special Price” Vehicle Loophole
In an apparent attempt to circumvent the Zimpapers policy that prohibits employees from accepting gifts valued above US$100, Chivayo claimed a car dealer is now offering vehicles at a massive discount.
He alleged that Madzibaba Chipaga of Enterprise Car Sales is selling a brand new Toyota Fortuner for “ONLY USD100” and a Toyota Aqua for “ONLY USD50” to the two specific employees.
“NO LAW restricts me from selling my property or assets at ANY PRICE of my choice,” Chivayo quoted the dealer as saying, suggesting that the staff could now purchase the cars directly without his official involvement.
Journalistic Standards Under Pressure
The dispute highlights the ongoing tension between personal philanthropy and institutional ethics within Zimbabwe’s media landscape. While Chivayo maintains that appreciation and encouragement should not be punished by “unnecessary RED TAPE and excessive BUREAUCRACY,” Zimpapers has previously stated that such policies are essential to safeguard editorial independence.
The businessman concluded his statement by hoping that Zimbabwe never reaches a stage where “expressing GRATITUDE to hardworking Zimbabweans is treated as if it is a CRIME.”
