Chivayo Must Be in Jail, Not Accompanying the President

Matabeleland activists have denounced President Emmerson Mnangagwa for maintaining close ties with controversial businessman and ex-convict Wicknell Chivayo, saying Chivayo should be behind bars for rampant corruption instead of being seen in the company of the President.

Recently, Chivayo was spotted near the President at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair. He has, on numerous occasions, been seen with the head of state.

Bulawayo-based development practitioner and deputy chairperson of the Rural Community Empowerment Trust, Thembelani Dube, said the greatest mistake citizens can make is to assume that popular figures do not belong to the same social circles.

"In that regard, as a people, sometimes barking at a moving train may not necessarily result in it coming to a halt. It may simply maintain, increase, or, in some instances, reduce speed, not because of the barking sound," Dube said.

Ibhetshu LikaZulu Secretary General Mbuso Fuzwayo said, "It is not surprising. The golden question we must ask ourselves is: if Chivayo is accused of corruption and is close to the President, is the President not corrupt as well? Their relationship is rooted in corruption. We must accept that and think of how to stop it."

PTUZ President Takavafira Zhou said President Mnangagwa must set a good example as a responsible leader who associates with people of good standing.

"Association with cartels (zvigananda) may entrench speculation that he is the godfather of *zvigananda* and further damage his reputation as President. At any rate, elite politicians and cartels have cornered the country’s strategic resources for personal gain, at a time when the general populace is sinking deeper into malaise and poverty," Zhou said.

"We also note with concern the systematic targeting of 'small fish' like school heads in corruption cases by ZACC, in a country where capital flight has become routine rather than episodic. Jails have also become places where big criminals keep the small ones. President Mnangagwa must strengthen the fight against corruption and promote good governance, accountability, justice, frugality, thrift, and equity."

Gukurahundi survivor Ben Moyo said looters should be in prison, not accompanying the President.

"Birds of the same feather flock together. The evidence is overwhelming. We do not need more evidence. The looters should be behind bars, not accompanying the President. We are surprised that the President has not allowed a full investigation into this man and ensured he ends up in Chikurubi. We are concerned that this is happening at all," Moyo said.