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Chivayo purchases Mnangagwa's scarf for $600,000 at charity gala
43 mins ago |
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Businessman Wicknell Chivayo stole the spotlight at the Angel of Hope Foundation's Christmas Fundraising Dinner at State House on Friday night, securing President Emmerson Mnangagwa's signature scarf for a staggering $600,000.
The record-breaking bid came as Mnangagwa theatrically removed the scarf from his shoulders and handed it to Chivayo, quipping about a "peaceful transfer of power" to the delight of attendees. The president quickly donned a replacement scarf as the room erupted in applause.
Chivayo's winning bid capped a weekend of headline-grabbing generosity. Just 48 hours earlier, he had donated $1 million to his former primary school, Dudley Hall in Norton, to fund the construction of two dormitories named Emmerson Dambudzo House and Auxillia House in honour of the first couple.
The State House dinner, attended by some of Zimbabwe's wealthiest business figures, saw competitive bidding for the president's scarf start in the low thousands. Gold miner FS Mining briefly led the pack with a $250,000 offer before Chivayo entered the contest. Collins Mnangagwa, the president's twin son, raised the bid to $500,000 in a playful push to increase proceeds for the charity, only for Chivayo to seal the deal at $600,000, leaving all rivals behind.
The extravagant purchase underscores Chivayo's growing reputation for flamboyant philanthropy, even as questions linger about the origins of his wealth. The funds raised will go to the Angel of Hope Foundation, founded by First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, supporting initiatives aimed at vulnerable communities.
The record-breaking bid came as Mnangagwa theatrically removed the scarf from his shoulders and handed it to Chivayo, quipping about a "peaceful transfer of power" to the delight of attendees. The president quickly donned a replacement scarf as the room erupted in applause.
Chivayo's winning bid capped a weekend of headline-grabbing generosity. Just 48 hours earlier, he had donated $1 million to his former primary school, Dudley Hall in Norton, to fund the construction of two dormitories named Emmerson Dambudzo House and Auxillia House in honour of the first couple.
The State House dinner, attended by some of Zimbabwe's wealthiest business figures, saw competitive bidding for the president's scarf start in the low thousands. Gold miner FS Mining briefly led the pack with a $250,000 offer before Chivayo entered the contest. Collins Mnangagwa, the president's twin son, raised the bid to $500,000 in a playful push to increase proceeds for the charity, only for Chivayo to seal the deal at $600,000, leaving all rivals behind.
The extravagant purchase underscores Chivayo's growing reputation for flamboyant philanthropy, even as questions linger about the origins of his wealth. The funds raised will go to the Angel of Hope Foundation, founded by First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, supporting initiatives aimed at vulnerable communities.
Source - Zimlive
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