Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Biggest Mistake: Entangling Himself with Wicknell Chivayo
Since assuming the presidency of Zimbabwe in 2017 following a military coup that ousted Robert Mugabe, Emmerson Mnangagwa has faced numerous challenges—economic collapse, political unrest, and international scrutiny. Yet, one decision stands out as potentially his gravest misstep: aligning himself with the controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo. This association has not only tarnished Mnangagwa’s credibility but also cast a long shadow over his promises to combat corruption and usher in a "new Zimbabwe." Chivayo, a convicted criminal with a trail of scandals, has become a symbol of the entrenched corruption that Mnangagwa vowed to eradicate. Below, we explore why this relationship may be Mnangagwa’s biggest mistake and detail Chivayo’s extensive record of corruption and scandals.
The Mnangagwa-Chivayo Connection: A Fatal Misjudgment
Mnangagwa came to power with a pledge to break from the corrupt legacy of Mugabe’s 37-year rule. His "Zimbabwe is open for business" mantra was meant to signal a fresh start, attracting investment and restoring trust in governance. However, his close ties with Chivayo—a man whose wealth and influence appear rooted in dubious dealings—undermine these claims. Chivayo’s frequent photo ops with Mnangagwa, including at State House, and his boasts of influence over the president in leaked audio recordings (where he allegedly claimed to have Mnangagwa "firmly in my grip"), suggest a relationship that goes beyond mere acquaintance. This alliance has fueled perceptions that Mnangagwa either tolerates or actively enables corruption, contradicting his public stance.
The mistake lies not just in the optics but in the tangible consequences. Chivayo’s scandals have siphoned millions from Zimbabwe’s struggling economy, funds that could have built hospitals, schools, or infrastructure. By shielding or failing to prosecute Chivayo, Mnangagwa has allowed a convicted fraudster to thrive, reinforcing a culture of impunity. This has alienated citizens, opposition leaders, and even some within his own ZANU-PF party, while drawing sanctions from the United States, which in 2024 designated Mnangagwa himself for corruption under the Global Magnitsky Act—partly linked to his network, including figures like Chivayo.
Wicknell Chivayo’s Corruption and Scandals: A Litany of Misdeeds
Wicknell Chivayo’s rise from a wages clerk to a flamboyant "tenderpreneur" is marred by a series of high-profile corruption cases and undelivered promises. Below is a comprehensive list of his major scandals:
2004 Fraud Conviction
At age 21, Chivayo was convicted of fraud involving over ZAR 837,000 (some estimate up to R2 million) in South Africa. He served time in Zimbabwe’s Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison, marking his entry into a life of financial crime. This early conviction set the tone for his later exploits, yet it did little to deter his ascent under Mnangagwa’s watch.
Gwanda Solar Project (2015-2018)
Chivayo’s company, Intratrek Zimbabwe, secured a $200 million contract from the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) to build a 100-megawatt solar plant in Gwanda. Despite receiving an advance payment of $7 million (initially reported as $5 million), no significant work was completed. The project remains a ghost, with funds allegedly misappropriated. Parliament probed the deal in 2018, but Chivayo faced no lasting consequences, raising questions about Mnangagwa’s protection.
Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Tender (2023)
Perhaps Chivayo’s most brazen scandal, this $40 million deal involved inflated costs for election materials supplied by Ren-Form, a South African printing firm he represented. Leaked documents and audio clips revealed price gouging—e.g., a server invoiced at R23 million that retails for R90,000—and Chivayo discussing splitting proceeds with senior officials. The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) opened an investigation, but no arrests have followed, despite public outrage. Reports also allege Mnangagwa’s daughter Chido was roped into the deal, deepening the family ties.
Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme (2021-2022)
Chivayo, alongside partners Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, is linked to the misappropriation of $88 million from a scheme meant to distribute goats to rural farmers. The funds vanished, with little to show for it. Chimombe and Mpofu were arrested in 2024 after exposing Chivayo’s role, yet he remains untouched, suggesting selective justice tied to his proximity to Mnangagwa.
Power Contracts Excess (2017)
Beyond Gwanda, Chivayo secured additional power-related contracts totaling up to $684 million, according to the Energy Sector Workers’ Union. These deals, including promises to bolster Zimbabwe’s electricity grid, yielded no results, yet payments were made. His ability to secure such contracts despite a track record of failure points to high-level patronage.
Lavish Spending and "Philanthropy" (Ongoing)
Chivayo’s ostentatious lifestyle—gifting luxury cars like Rolls-Royces and Mercedes to ZANU-PF loyalists and musicians—has drawn scrutiny. In 2023, shortly after the ZEC tender payout, he imported two Rolls-Royces and other high-end vehicles, hinting that illicit gains fund his largesse. Critics call it "simulated philanthropy" to mask corruption, often thanking Mnangagwa publicly, further linking the two.
Historical Ties to Grace Mugabe and G40
Before Mnangagwa’s rise, Chivayo was associated with Grace Mugabe and the G40 faction of ZANU-PF, allegedly funneling funds to their cause. His seamless transition to Mnangagwa’s inner circle post-2017 coup suggests opportunism and a knack for aligning with power, regardless of the cost to Zimbabwe.
The Fallout: Why This Was Mnangagwa’s Biggest Mistake
Associating with Chivayo has cost Mnangagwa dearly. Economically, the millions lost to Chivayo’s schemes exacerbate Zimbabwe’s woes—hyperinflation, unemployment, and poverty persist while public funds vanish. Politically, it has deepened distrust in Mnangagwa’s leadership. Opposition figures like Nelson Chamisa and civil society decry the selective impunity, while even ZANU-PF insiders, like Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, have criticized "tenderpreneurs" like Chivayo, hinting at internal rifts.
Internationally, the U.S. sanctions in 2024 explicitly tied Mnangagwa to corruption networks, including gold smuggling and illicit deals facilitated by cronies like Chivayo. This has isolated Zimbabwe further, scaring off investors Mnangagwa desperately needs. Most damningly, it has shattered the illusion of reform. By failing to hold Chivayo accountable—despite overwhelming evidence—Mnangagwa has signaled that loyalty trumps justice, a mistake that may define his presidency as one of continuity with Mugabe’s corruption, not change.
Conclusion
Emmerson Mnangagwa’s entanglement with Wicknell Chivayo is more than a political misstep—it’s a betrayal of Zimbabweans who hoped for a cleaner, more prosperous future. Chivayo’s scandals, from the Gwanda flop to the ZEC heist, reveal a pattern of looting enabled by his ties to the president. This relationship has not only drained the nation’s coffers but also Mnangagwa’s legitimacy. If he is to salvage his legacy, severing ties with Chivayo and enforcing accountability would be a start—but given their history, that seems unlikely. For now, this alliance remains Mnangagwa’s biggest mistake, a self-inflicted wound that history may judge harshly.
