Chivayo saga exposes lack of seriousness in Zimbabwe

The lack of response from authorities following the scandal involving businessman Wicknell Chivayo and an alleged US$40 million Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) tender highlights the country's inadequate approach to addressing corruption. Chivayo, who denies using his connections with President Emmerson Mnangagwa to secure government contracts, was implicated through an audio recording where he claimed to have paid senior officials to obtain the Zec contract.

Despite Chivayo's public apology to several high-ranking officials and his insistence that the allegations were fabricated by former business partners, the silence from the implicated authorities and institutions raises concerns about transparency and integrity. Notably, Mnangagwa's spokesperson dismissed the recording as baseless, and the Information Minister issued vague threats against "name droppers," while the Zanu-PF youth league called for an investigation.

Chivayo, an ex-convict with a history of controversial dealings, including the stalled Gwanda solar project, has frequently been involved in scandals. The public's demand for an independent investigation into his claims underscores the necessity for accountability. The inaction from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and the police suggests a troubling tolerance for corruption at high levels, undermining public trust and the fight against corruption.