Africa is a joke: No respect for Africans everywhere, we are ourselves to blame!

The death of "Sir" Wicknell Chivayo exposed some African leaders and how they allegedly engaged a controversial businessman to do dirty work for them. Allegations relating to corruption, money laundering, election manipulation and other activities have often been spoken about in hushed tones for fear of the consequences of directly confronting such claims. His proximity to President Mnangagwa defined his ascendancy to wealth and fame.

"Sir" Wicknell enjoyed the limelight at home and across Africa. He showcased top‑range cars: Bentleys, Rolls‑Royces, Mercedes‑Benz vehicles, private jets and a lavish lifestyle. He was generous to private individuals within his circle and selected organisations. He gifted top‑range vehicles and money to public figures, sports organisations, musicians, religious institutions and prominent personalities. He enjoyed lavish holidays and acquired several homes across southern Africa. He travelled to Dubai shopping for expensive clothing, reportedly purchasing a pair of shoes worth US$90,000.

Wicknell's ability to accumulate wealth drew attention following the Gwanda Solar Project tender. Critics alleged that the project became synonymous with controversy and allegations of corruption. Observers often argued that powerful and influential people were shielding the project from proper scrutiny. At the funeral of "Sir" Wicknell, his brother openly referred to money he expected to receive if the Gwanda project had been successfully realised.

Mthwakazi parties must be excused if they say the Gwanda Solar Project was dead on arrival once the money started flowing. Like many projects in Matabeleland, they argue, it was left hanging out to dry. The Shangani‑Gwayi River Project is cited as another example of how projects in the region are allegedly delayed or frustrated at higher levels. Nothing significant in Matabeleland will develop under the Mnangagwa administration, some critics argue. In this case, I fully understand the frustrations expressed by Mthwakazi parties.

After the 2023 elections in Zimbabwe, Wicknell appeared to go nuclear in wealth accumulation. Invitations from African governments reportedly made him a trusted person in some circles. Stories circulated that his alleged expertise in election strategies earned him influence beyond Zimbabwe's borders. Whether true or not, discussions of election manipulation and questionable financial dealings often featured his name, although usually in low tones.

The same beneficiaries of alleged election manipulation and money laundering sent condolences to the family of the deceased Wicknell. Social media platforms have been awash with claims regarding how devastated President Ruto of Kenya was by the death of "Sir" Wicknell. Rumours alleged that Wicknell had been assigned to facilitate a major currency transaction involving US dollars and Kenyan shillings. The figures being mentioned are staggering: billions of US dollars and trillions of Kenyan shillings. Before any such transaction could be completed, Wicknell died in a helicopter crash. These are allegations circulating online. Africa becomes a laughingstock when such stories dominate public conversation.

What is perhaps more embarrassing was a video circulating online allegedly showing President Ruto behind the wheel of a vehicle with "Sir" Wicknell as a passenger. Here is a whole president enjoying a leisurely drive with a man whose name had become synonymous with controversy and allegations of financial misconduct. Our African leaders often appear to take citizens for fools who cannot think critically. If these allegations are even partly true, fellow Africans, how can the rest of the world be expected to treat us seriously when we do not respect our own institutions and the rule of law?

How would President Ruto retrieve any alleged funds under such circumstances when "Sir" Wicknell Chivayo is no more? Social media speculation has become wild. Questions are being asked about what happened to any money that may have been under his control. Reports and rumours surrounding his death continue to generate bizarre theories. Before President Mnangagwa could send condolences to the bereaved family, President Ruto had already sent his, recalling his friendship with "Sir" Wicknell. Some interpreted this as genuine grief, others as something more complicated.

Again, social media users claimed that President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania travelled to Zimbabwe for the funeral of "Sir" Wicknell. A sitting head of state attending the funeral of a businessman associated with so much controversy naturally raises questions. Some have argued that such a visit was unusual and fuelled public speculation. By all standards, many found it difficult to understand.

Did President Suluhu undertake due diligence regarding allegations surrounding Chivayo's business history? Did she discuss any of these matters with President Ruto? Why, some ask, was attending this funeral considered a priority so soon after personal bereavement within her family? Might it not have been more appropriate to send a government representative instead? We will never know. Speculation continues regarding relationships between Chivayo and various African political leaders.

Wicknell was reportedly spotted in Nigeria, Malawi, Uganda and several other countries. Critics alleged that his presence often coincided with major political events and election periods. Whether coincidence or not, these perceptions followed him everywhere. South Africa would arguably have been a more difficult environment because of stronger electoral institutions and oversight mechanisms. The ANC, however, faces significant political challenges ahead of future elections.

Trump is reportedly sending a high‑powered delegation to Zimbabwe to meet President Mnangagwa personally. Some speculate that part of the mission may involve inquiries into alleged financial crimes, corruption and money‑laundering concerns involving politically connected individuals in Zimbabwe. The timing of the visit and Chivayo's death have generated fertile ground for speculation. But speculation is all it remains.

Vice‑President Constantino Chiwenga frequently lamented the rise of "Zvigananda" in Zimbabwe, people amassing enormous wealth while ordinary citizens suffer in poverty. Curiously, critics have also accused political elites across successive administrations of benefiting from national resources while ordinary citizens struggle. Zimbabwean politics often leaves citizens wondering whether anything truly makes sense anymore.

What appears to have attracted attention internationally was Chivayo's highly public distribution of US dollars, vehicles and gifts to selected individuals. Chosen recipients received brand‑new vehicles and substantial amounts of cash. Such displays are unusual even in wealthier nations. Here was a third‑world country with serious economic challenges yet witnessing an apparently endless flow of money.

The United States is a US dollar economy. Allegations involving money laundering inevitably attract international attention. Authorities everywhere seek accountability when financial crimes are suspected. Chivayo's extravagant lifestyle, financed through contracts and business dealings that have long generated controversy, raises questions that may not disappear with his death. Dead or alive, the controversies remain. Those connected to questionable transactions may one day face scrutiny.

The story trending in Kenya on social media is how helpless African people often appear in the face of gross injustice. "We allow ourselves to be ruled by criminals; we are overwhelmed and fail to say enough is enough." When former Zambian president Edgar Lungu died, fresh debates emerged online about political elites, privilege and secrecy. Conspiracy theories and allegations spread rapidly. Whether true or false, they reflected a deep crisis of public trust.

This is how Africa has regressed. What respect and honour are Africans earning globally if we are ruled by leaders constantly linked to scandals, corruption allegations and criminal syndicates? Elections across the continent are frequently disputed. Confidence in accountability institutions has broken down in many countries. Oversight bodies are weakened, compromised or absent altogether.

Speculation now suggests that "Sir" Wicknell may not have died by accident. If such rumours were ever proven true, it would represent a horrifying end for a 43‑year‑old man and those who perished alongside him. But speculation should never be confused with fact. What is clear is that the loss of life is tragic regardless of one's opinion of the deceased. Even where individuals may have displayed troubling behaviour or faced allegations, extrajudicial punishment can never be justified. We are indeed living in a microwave age of post‑modernity where the value and sanctity of human life often appear absent.