News / National
Chivayo exposes Coltart after clash over ZITF appearance
3 hrs ago |
115 Views
Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has lashed out at Bulawayo mayor David Coltart following criticism over his high-profile appearance alongside President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Botswana leader Duma Boko at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 2026.
The exchange, which played out on social media, has reignited debate over Chivayo's proximity to political power and the optics of his role at official events.
Coltart, a councillor for the Citizens Coalition for Change, described Chivayo's presence during the presidential tour of exhibition stands as "unedifying," questioning why Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi — both present at the trade fair — were not part of the entourage.
He also criticised what he called the businessman's public display of wealth, saying it contrasted sharply with the hardships faced by ordinary Zimbabweans.
In a strongly worded response, Chivayo dismissed the remarks as "nauseating and mischievous," and defended his presence as appropriate for a business-focused event.
"I am a businessman and philanthropist with vast interests across the continent… there is absolutely nothing amiss… for the two presidents to be accompanied by a businessman at a business trade fair," he said.
He added that it was the president's prerogative to decide who accompanies him at official engagements.
Chivayo also offered a procedural explanation, saying the presidium typically splits into multiple groups at large events such as ZITF to cover more ground.
Turning the spotlight on Bulawayo's opposition-led council, Chivayo criticised the city's service delivery, particularly water provision, suggesting Coltart's comments reflected governance failures at the local level.
He further accused the mayor of making "racist sensational claims," escalating the tone of the exchange.
Chivayo's close association with the presidency has long drawn public attention. He has been linked to several lucrative government contracts and is known for high-profile philanthropic gestures, including donating ambulances to public hospitals.
However, questions around the source of his wealth and the nature of his business interests continue to fuel public debate.
The latest clash underscores growing political tensions as Zimbabwe navigates economic challenges and heightened scrutiny over governance and accountability, even at platforms meant to promote investment and trade.
The exchange, which played out on social media, has reignited debate over Chivayo's proximity to political power and the optics of his role at official events.
Coltart, a councillor for the Citizens Coalition for Change, described Chivayo's presence during the presidential tour of exhibition stands as "unedifying," questioning why Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi — both present at the trade fair — were not part of the entourage.
He also criticised what he called the businessman's public display of wealth, saying it contrasted sharply with the hardships faced by ordinary Zimbabweans.
In a strongly worded response, Chivayo dismissed the remarks as "nauseating and mischievous," and defended his presence as appropriate for a business-focused event.
"I am a businessman and philanthropist with vast interests across the continent… there is absolutely nothing amiss… for the two presidents to be accompanied by a businessman at a business trade fair," he said.
He added that it was the president's prerogative to decide who accompanies him at official engagements.
Chivayo also offered a procedural explanation, saying the presidium typically splits into multiple groups at large events such as ZITF to cover more ground.
Turning the spotlight on Bulawayo's opposition-led council, Chivayo criticised the city's service delivery, particularly water provision, suggesting Coltart's comments reflected governance failures at the local level.
He further accused the mayor of making "racist sensational claims," escalating the tone of the exchange.
Chivayo's close association with the presidency has long drawn public attention. He has been linked to several lucrative government contracts and is known for high-profile philanthropic gestures, including donating ambulances to public hospitals.
However, questions around the source of his wealth and the nature of his business interests continue to fuel public debate.
The latest clash underscores growing political tensions as Zimbabwe navigates economic challenges and heightened scrutiny over governance and accountability, even at platforms meant to promote investment and trade.
Source - Zimlive
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
