News / National
Zimpapers orders staff to return Chivayo gifts
2 hrs ago |
208 Views
The Zimbabwe Newspapers Group (Zimpapers) has instructed its employees to decline high-value gifts offered by controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo during his appearance on Capitalk FM, citing its internal ethics rules on gifts and conflicts of interest.
During the visit, Chivayo reportedly gave US$30,000 intended as “lunch money” for 30 radio division employees and separately offered presenter Phathisani Sibanda an upgrade from a Toyota Aqua to a 2025 Toyota GD6.
Under Zimpapers' 2024 gifts policy, staff are prohibited from accepting gifts exceeding US$100 unless formally declared. As a result, each employee is expected to retain only US$100, while the remaining US$27,000 must be returned.
Sibanda, who joined Zimpapers as a full employee in January 2026, has reportedly been given an ultimatum to either reject the vehicle offer or resign. The policy reportedly could not be enforced during an earlier 2024 donation because he was then working as an independent contractor.
A company official said the rules were introduced to preserve editorial integrity and avoid any perception of bribery or undue influence.
Zimpapers insiders also suggested that the returned funds could potentially be redirected as a corporate donation to support company operations, including procurement of staff vehicles, although no formal decision has been confirmed.
The company has not yet issued a public statement, and CEO William Chikoto has been approached for comment.
During the visit, Chivayo reportedly gave US$30,000 intended as “lunch money” for 30 radio division employees and separately offered presenter Phathisani Sibanda an upgrade from a Toyota Aqua to a 2025 Toyota GD6.
Under Zimpapers' 2024 gifts policy, staff are prohibited from accepting gifts exceeding US$100 unless formally declared. As a result, each employee is expected to retain only US$100, while the remaining US$27,000 must be returned.
Sibanda, who joined Zimpapers as a full employee in January 2026, has reportedly been given an ultimatum to either reject the vehicle offer or resign. The policy reportedly could not be enforced during an earlier 2024 donation because he was then working as an independent contractor.
A company official said the rules were introduced to preserve editorial integrity and avoid any perception of bribery or undue influence.
Zimpapers insiders also suggested that the returned funds could potentially be redirected as a corporate donation to support company operations, including procurement of staff vehicles, although no formal decision has been confirmed.
The company has not yet issued a public statement, and CEO William Chikoto has been approached for comment.
Source - zimlive
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
