Wicknell Chivayo, the Zimbabwean tycoon who died in a helicopter crash last week, elicited sharply divided opinions during his life and continues to do so in death. Known to many as 'Sir Wicknell,' the 45-year-old built a public persona largely on social media, frequently showcasing his wealth through extravagant displays of cash, luxury cars, and expensive watches.
His supporters viewed him as a wealthy individual generously sharing his fortune, often highlighting his donations to various causes and individuals. However, his detractors questioned the origins of his wealth and his close ties to political figures, seeing his ostentatious lifestyle as a stark symbol of inequality in a country where a significant portion of the population lives in poverty.
Chivayo's public image was meticulously crafted. He often posted videos touring his fleet of Rolls-Royces, many with personalized license plates, and collections of designer shoes. He also frequently shared images of himself with African heads of state, underscoring his perceived access to power.
Despite criticism, Chivayo remained unapologetic about his wealth, even as economic hardship persisted in Zimbabwe. Pedzisai Ruhanya, director of the Zimbabwe Democracy Institute think-tank, noted that Chivayo's donations often went to influential individuals, suggesting it was a means to secure political support for the ruling Zanu-PF party. Nonetheless, his death has prompted an outpouring of grief from many recipients of his generosity, including politicians, religious leaders, and business figures.
Among those mourning was Cleopas Mukungunugwa, a Zanu-PF social media influencer who received luxury cars from Chivayo. He told local media that Chivayo often directed his social media posts, aiming to bolster the businessman's image as a philanthropist. Chivayo's own journey began after dropping out of high school at 15. His early career involved selling mobile phones and dealing in foreign currency, including during Zimbabwe's hyperinflation crisis. In 2005, he was imprisoned for five years for money laundering.
Following his release, Chivayo entered the energy sector, heading Intratrek Zimbabwe. The company partnered with Chinese firm CHiNT Electric for a 100MW solar power station project in Gwanda, a contract worth over $170 million signed in 2015. The project faced significant delays, leading the Zimbabwe Power Company to seek termination. However, courts upheld the contract. A parliamentary inquiry later described Intratrek as a "briefcase company" used to attract investment. Intratrek received an advance of over $5 million but the solar plant remains unbuilt.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who had previously warned about "fly-by-night briefcase businessmen," later developed a seemingly close relationship with Chivayo. Photographs showed them in informal settings, and Chivayo was a vocal supporter of Mnangagwa and the Zanu-PF party. Chivayo also faced allegations of inflating prices for election materials in 2023, though Zimbabwe's anti-corruption commission found no evidence linking him to procurement fraud. He later withdrew an offer of $10,000 to each of the country's 360 legislators, which had been seen as an attempt to influence a vote on a controversial constitutional amendment.
Chivayo's influence extended beyond Zimbabwe. In June, Eswatini's King Mswati III granted him citizenship and a diplomatic passport. He also posted photos with numerous other African leaders, including Nigeria's Bola Tinubu, Tanzania's Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Zambia's Hakainde Hichilema. He attended the engagement of Kenyan President William Ruto's daughter, after which Ruto personally drove Chivayo. Ruto later remembered him for his "friendship, his energy, and his deep conviction in the possibilities of our continent." In Kenya, however, Chivayo's closeness to Ruto was met with suspicion.
Back in Zimbabwe, public discourse continues regarding Chivayo's legacy. Many question the nature of his wealth and its use in supporting the ruling party while public services like healthcare face collapse. His widespread gifting of cars and cash, particularly in the period leading up to the 2023 elections, was seen by some as a move to buy political support. Notable recipients included musician Jah Prayzah and Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi of the Zion Christian Church. Chivayo also donated ambulances and provided assistance to schools.
Not all offers were accepted. Eunor Guti, widow of Archbishop Ezekiel Guti, declined a luxury vehicle and cash. Veteran musician Thomas Mapfumo, a government critic, rejected an offer of a luxury car and house, calling Chivayo's money "dirty," though he later accepted $1 million to perform at an event. Chivayo's personal life included two young children from his first marriage and a high-value divorce settlement dispute. He was also building a mansion in his rural home, intended to bring upscale amenities to the area, and had pledged funds for local schools and a clinic.
Chivayo's death leaves Zanu-PF without a prominent campaigner and raises persistent questions about his rapid accumulation of wealth and its impact on Zimbabwean society.