Chivayo claimed US$100m in donations days before fatal crash

The late businessman Wicknell Chivayo claimed he had spent more than US$100 million and donated 3 000 vehicles to individuals, organisations and influential figures across Zimbabwe, just three days before he died in a helicopter crash alongside his wife, Lucy Muteke, and three other people.

Chivayo made the claims on September 27, amid mounting public scrutiny over his high-profile vehicle and cash giveaways and questions about the sources of his wealth.

The controversial donations attracted widespread attention in Zimbabwe and the region, with critics questioning how the businessman had accumulated the resources to finance such an extensive philanthropic campaign.

Chivayo's business dealings have included major State contracts, notably a US$172 million ZESA energy project and a US$100 million Zimbabwe Electoral Commission deal. His involvement in the Gwanda Solar project, for which he received an advance payment of US$5 million, also attracted controversy after the project remained incomplete.

At his funeral last week, Chivayo's brother, Joachim, reportedly told mourners that the businessman had spent US$90 000 from public funds on exclusive sneakers and designer clothing in Dubai and the United States.

The claims about his donations came a day after a white Toyota Land Cruiser 300 ZX gifted to the late African Apostolic Church leader Apostle Paul Mwazha was involved in a fatal road accident.

The vehicle, carrying church representatives and Mwazha's son, Ngoni, collided head-on with a cattle-drawn scotch cart near Featherstone along the Harare-Masvingo Highway. The cart driver died at the scene.

The accident triggered renewed criticism of Chivayo's lavish giveaways, with social media users questioning the implications of distributing expensive vehicles on such a scale.

However, Chivayo dismissed his critics as "prophets of doom", defending the donations as philanthropy and arguing that an accident involving one vehicle should not overshadow his wider charitable activities.

In a social media post, he wrote: "After one person has broken the record in history on charity work in Zimbabwe and bought and donated over way over 100 million USD and 3,000 vehicles, when just ONE is involved in an accident, some people celebrate as though it proves something. What a shame."

He added: "Poverty of the mind is far more dangerous than poverty of the pocket."

Chivayo also vowed that he would never stop donating vehicles and cash, maintaining that his activities were intended to help people and support various causes.

His death in the helicopter crash near Marondera, Mashonaland East, on September 30 brought his high-profile charitable campaign into sharper focus. His wife, personal assistant and two pilots also died in the accident.

Chivayo had frequently attributed his generosity to a spiritual calling, claiming that a prophecy at his childhood church, Johanne Masowe eChishanu, foretold that he would become wealthy and distribute vehicles to people.

His vehicle giveaways became increasingly prominent from late 2023, reaching a high profile between 2024 and 2026. He regularly shared photographs of new Mercedes-Benz vehicles, Toyota Fortuners and Toyota Aquas decorated with balloons before being handed over to recipients.

Beneficiaries included musicians, religious leaders, sports personalities, clubs and people with political influence.

He also linked his donations to President Emmerson Mnangagwa's national empowerment messaging, presenting his wealth as a contribution to development and the country's economic aspirations.

Chivayo occasionally made explicit references to the ruling party when discussing the source of his donations. On one occasion, he said: "Ndezvemusangano, zvirikubva kuZanu-PF" — meaning, "It is for the party; it is coming from Zanu-PF."

While supporters welcomed the giveaways as assistance to individuals and organisations, critics questioned whether the donations were purely charitable or had political implications.

His claims that he had donated more than US$100 million and 3 000 vehicles have not been independently verified, leaving questions about the scale, funding and wider implications of the donations.