Introduction
In a nation where many struggle to make ends meet, Zimbabwe’s self-proclaimed Sir Wicknell Chivayo has captivated public attention by giving away luxury cars and large sums of cash to musicians, pastors, politicians, and ordinary citizens. But behind the glittering giveaways lies growing speculation about the true source of his enormous wealth and his close ties to the country’s ruling party, Zanu-PF. [Source: BBC]
Who Is Sir Wicknell?
Wicknell Chivayo, 44, once worked as a wages clerk at a bus company before rising to become one of Zimbabwe’s most controversial millionaires. Known for his flamboyant lifestyle, he regularly posts photos on Instagram flaunting designer brands, luxury vehicles, and private jet vacations to destinations like Dubai, New York, Paris, and London. His fleet includes Rolls Royces, Range Rovers, and Mercedes-Benzes—some of which he gifts away in highly publicized social media announcements.
Massive Car Giveaways
Sir Wicknell’s gift-giving spree has reached frenzied levels. Recipients include gospel singers, footballers, church leaders, and artists like Afrobeats star Jah Prayzah, who received a fully-paid 2025 Range Rover Autobiography along with $150,000 in cash. Many of his gifts are celebrated by Zanu-PF loyalists as patriotic gestures supporting local talent and community leaders.
“This is just a small token of my gratitude for your immense contribution to Zimbabwean music and your patriotism,” Chivayo often writes in his gift announcements.
The Flex Culture
Sir Wicknell represents Zimbabwe’s growing “flex culture”—the open display of wealth on social media. He frequently boasts about his designer collections, his international business trips, and his private jet, calling himself a “self-made millionaire.”
His social media persona has generated millions of views, memes, and widespread fascination, even as critics raise questions about his business dealings. [Internal Link: Zimbabwe’s Growing Flex Culture Explained]
Shady Business Deals?
Chivayo’s company Intratrek Zimbabwe once secured a $172.8 million government contract for a solar power plant, which later became entangled in fraud allegations. Although he was eventually acquitted, many remain skeptical. In recent years, Chivayo’s name has been linked to multiple government tenders, often awarded without public bidding processes, including a rumored $500 million contract to supply cancer treatment equipment—a claim he denies.
“For a whole group of opposition outfits to team up and make noise about an unsigned FAKE document is embarrassing desperation,” Chivayo declared after the latest scandal erupted.
Political Protection
Sir Wicknell’s close ties to Zimbabwe’s political elite, particularly President Emmerson Mnangagwa, have fueled speculation that his wealth stems from political patronage. Critics accuse him of serving as a frontman for corrupt deals, though both Chivayo and the president strongly deny these allegations. In one leaked audio clip, he seemingly refers to politicians being “in our vice-like grip,” though he later claimed it was a deepfake.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has launched multiple inquiries into Chivayo’s deals, but to date no charges have been laid against him. Meanwhile, two businessmen mentioned alongside him in the leaked audio have been jailed for unrelated fraud charges.
Humble Beginnings
Despite his immense wealth today, Chivayo often reminds followers of his humble upbringing in Chitungwiza after his father’s death. “I was the only one my age with a cellphone in Chitungwiza,” he boasts, emphasizing his hard work and business acumen.
Unlikely to Enter Politics
Though his influence and public profile have grown considerably, Sir Wicknell has repeatedly said he has no interest in entering politics, preferring instead to focus on growing his businesses across Africa. His latest ventures include being licensed as Zimbabwe’s partner for Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service.
Conclusion
Sir Wicknell’s public gifting has made him a national phenomenon—a symbol of both aspiration and controversy. In a country where most citizens face daily hardships, his lavish displays of wealth elicit both admiration and anger. As long as his business dealings remain shrouded in mystery, questions about the true source of his fortune—and his future—will continue to fuel speculation in Zimbabwe and beyond.
Written by Shingai Nyoka, BBC News, Harare.
For more stories on Africa’s rising tycoons, visit The Morning News Informer.
