News / National
'Chivayo should be celebrated'
5 hrs ago | Views
Holy Spirit Ministries pastor Solomon Ndlovu has sparked fierce debate after publicly defending controversial businessman and tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo, insisting the flamboyant socialite has committed no crime and should be celebrated for his philanthropic gestures.
Ndlovu's comments, made during a sermon and shared widely on social media, came in the wake of a high-profile snub by Eunor Guti - widow of the late Archbishop Ezekiel Guti and founder of ZAOGA - who recently turned down Chivayo's offer of a brand new Toyota VXR Land Cruiser 300 and US$250,000 in cash. The donation, according to Chivayo, was made in memory of the late religious leader, whom he claimed had supported him in difficult times.
Critics have slammed Ndlovu's statements as excessive praise, bordering on bootlicking, especially as Chivayo continues to attract scrutiny over his ties to controversial government tenders.
"She [Eunor Guti] should have accepted the money and used it to pay her pastors or invest in projects that benefit the community, including upgrading her university," Ndlovu said. "Maybe she refused because she's a billionaire herself, but the money could still do a lot of good."
The former army chaplain went on to claim that Chivayo's actions should be commended, comparing him to international philanthropists.
"The likes of Bill Gates and Elon Musk give to their communities. That's what billionaires do," Ndlovu said. "If Chivayo had stolen anything, I don't think the police would allow him to give away cars and cash so openly."
He added that many religious institutions accept tithes and donations without verifying the source of the funds.
"Pastors receive money from members, some of which could be from shady deals. What's different here?" he asked. "Chivayo is giving back to the people. We should appreciate that."
Ndlovu's praise didn't stop there — he suggested Chivayo would make a better Cabinet minister than many currently serving in government.
"He's a billionaire, he wouldn't even need a salary. Most ministers are hungry, and I think the government should appoint Chivayo to a ministry," he said.
The pastor also made a public appeal for Chivayo to extend his generosity to essential service workers like doctors and teachers.
"If he helps them, they'll be motivated to do their work better. When I get sick, I will go to the same doctors," Ndlovu said.
Despite public backlash, the cleric maintained that unless proven guilty in court, Chivayo's donations should not be viewed with suspicion.
"If there's a problem, the courts will deal with him. But I don't believe he's stealing. If he offers me money, I will take it — why should I refuse a gift?" Ndlovu said.
While some see the pastor's remarks as an attempt to defend generosity in tough economic times, others view them as dangerous normalization of unchecked wealth and potential corruption. As debate continues to swirl around Chivayo's high-profile donations, the lines between philanthropy and power politics remain blurred.
Ndlovu's comments, made during a sermon and shared widely on social media, came in the wake of a high-profile snub by Eunor Guti - widow of the late Archbishop Ezekiel Guti and founder of ZAOGA - who recently turned down Chivayo's offer of a brand new Toyota VXR Land Cruiser 300 and US$250,000 in cash. The donation, according to Chivayo, was made in memory of the late religious leader, whom he claimed had supported him in difficult times.
Critics have slammed Ndlovu's statements as excessive praise, bordering on bootlicking, especially as Chivayo continues to attract scrutiny over his ties to controversial government tenders.
"She [Eunor Guti] should have accepted the money and used it to pay her pastors or invest in projects that benefit the community, including upgrading her university," Ndlovu said. "Maybe she refused because she's a billionaire herself, but the money could still do a lot of good."
The former army chaplain went on to claim that Chivayo's actions should be commended, comparing him to international philanthropists.
"The likes of Bill Gates and Elon Musk give to their communities. That's what billionaires do," Ndlovu said. "If Chivayo had stolen anything, I don't think the police would allow him to give away cars and cash so openly."
He added that many religious institutions accept tithes and donations without verifying the source of the funds.
"Pastors receive money from members, some of which could be from shady deals. What's different here?" he asked. "Chivayo is giving back to the people. We should appreciate that."
Ndlovu's praise didn't stop there — he suggested Chivayo would make a better Cabinet minister than many currently serving in government.
"He's a billionaire, he wouldn't even need a salary. Most ministers are hungry, and I think the government should appoint Chivayo to a ministry," he said.
The pastor also made a public appeal for Chivayo to extend his generosity to essential service workers like doctors and teachers.
"If he helps them, they'll be motivated to do their work better. When I get sick, I will go to the same doctors," Ndlovu said.
Despite public backlash, the cleric maintained that unless proven guilty in court, Chivayo's donations should not be viewed with suspicion.
"If there's a problem, the courts will deal with him. But I don't believe he's stealing. If he offers me money, I will take it — why should I refuse a gift?" Ndlovu said.
While some see the pastor's remarks as an attempt to defend generosity in tough economic times, others view them as dangerous normalization of unchecked wealth and potential corruption. As debate continues to swirl around Chivayo's high-profile donations, the lines between philanthropy and power politics remain blurred.
Source - newsday
