Chivayo defends Capitalk FM donations

Businessman and Zanu PF supporter Wicknell Chivayo has defended his controversial donation to staff at privately owned radio station Capitalk FM, insisting the gesture was an act of gratitude rather than an improper inducement.

In a lengthy post published on X, formerly Twitter, Chivayo said he recently attended an interview at Capitalk FM where he had "a wonderful time" with the station's team and decided to reward employees for their hospitality and professionalism.

According to Chivayo, he first sought permission from the station's general manager, Comfort Mbofana, before offering money to workers who were on duty during the shift.

"I graciously offered US$1,000 per person," Chivayo wrote, adding that Mbofana advised him there were 30 employees working at the time. He claimed the general manager personally received the money on behalf of staff members.

The businessman also revealed that he had intended to purchase a Toyota Fortuner for radio presenter Phathisani Sibanda and a Toyota Aqua for another female employee after allegedly receiving approval from management.

However, the donations have since sparked debate on social media, with critics questioning whether such gifts to employees at a media institution were appropriate.

Responding to the backlash, Chivayo dismissed suggestions of wrongdoing, arguing that journalists and media workers deserved appreciation rather than "unnecessary red tape and excessive bureaucracy".

"As a patriotic citizen, whenever I visit government institutions or companies owned by the State, I naturally have a soft spot because I openly and unapologetically support the ruling party, Zanu PF," he wrote.

In a sarcastic twist, Chivayo claimed Harare car dealer Enterprise Car Sales, led by "Madzibaba Chipaga", was willing to sell the vehicles to the employees for heavily discounted prices of US$100 for the Fortuner and US$50 for the Aqua.

He argued that no laws prevented a private seller from disposing of vehicles at any price of their choosing, adding that the two employees could independently purchase the vehicles "without my involvement".

Chivayo also said his lawyer, Sikhumbuzo Mpofu, would retrieve the remaining US$27,000 from Mbofana after reports emerged that the funds could no longer be distributed as originally intended.

"After all, he probably needs it more than I do and I am sure it can assist significantly with unleaded fuel for his latest Range Rover Autobiography," Chivayo remarked, punctuating the statement with laughing emojis.

The post has intensified public debate around the relationship between politicians, politically connected businessmen and media institutions in Zimbabwe, with some social media users defending the donations as generosity while others raised concerns over ethics and influence in journalism.