Controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo has announced a significant cash and vehicle donation to Zimbabwe’s security services, pledging US$2 million and 20 high-end vehicles in a move that has reignited debate over his wealth, political connections, and influence within state institutions.
Chivayo made the announcement on his social media platforms on Monday, stating that the funds and vehicles were intended to support festive welfare programmes under the so-called “Cheer Funds” of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS).
According to the businessman, the donations will be distributed as follows: 10 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series VXR vehicles and US$1 million in cash for the ZDF Commander’s Christmas Cheer Fund; five similar vehicles and US$500,000 for the ZRP Commissioner-General’s Cheer Fund; and another five vehicles plus US$500,000 for the ZPCS Commissioner-General’s Cheer Fund. Chivayo said the vehicles were ready for immediate handover through a local dealer, while the cash would be distributed upon approval by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who also serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces.
Wicknell Chivayo Pledges $2 Million and Luxury Vehicles to Zimbabwe’s Security Services
Chivayo’s announcement has drawn both praise and scrutiny. The businessman, whose fortune stems largely from energy and infrastructure deals, including the controversial Gwanda solar power project, has long been linked to high-value government contracts. That project collapsed amid allegations of corruption and misrepresentation, and Chivayo himself has previously been convicted in a fraud case, a record that continues to shadow his public persona.
Supporters argue that Chivayo is acting as a patriotic entrepreneur, complementing government efforts to support security personnel through corporate social responsibility initiatives. In his statement, Chivayo emphasized the significance of Unity Day, celebrating the 1987 Unity Accord that brought together former rival liberation forces, and highlighted the role of security services in maintaining peace and national stability.
He described the Cheer Funds as vital instruments for supporting personnel and their families, noting that they provide school fees for orphans, medical support for injured or retired officers, groceries for widows, and assistance to veterans living under difficult conditions. The vehicles, he added, are intended to enhance operational outreach and welfare programmes under these funds.
“While the vehicles are ready for immediate handover and the cash is available for distribution, this entire donation is subject to the approval of His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces,” Chivayo stated.
The gesture has prompted mixed reactions among Zimbabweans. Some praise the donation as generous and patriotic, especially in a period when public institutions face resource constraints and funding shortfalls. Others, however, question how a private individual with a controversial history can mobilise millions of US dollars and luxury vehicles while ordinary citizens struggle with poverty, inadequate public services, and rising living costs.
Critics have also highlighted the broader political implications, arguing that such donations underscore the blurring of lines between private wealth, political power, and state security institutions in Zimbabwe. Chivayo’s frequent presence at state and ruling party events, along with his public support for President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 agenda, has long fueled speculation that his business success is intertwined with political patronage.
Analysts note that while philanthropy can play a positive role in supporting public institutions, the scale and visibility of Chivayo’s contributions raise questions about the independence of the security sector and the influence of politically connected businessmen.
Chivayo framed his donation as a contribution to national unity and service, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the sacrifices of security personnel. “Unity is our strength, security is our foundation, and peace is our legacy,” he wrote, in a message reflecting both patriotic sentiment and personal branding.
He also praised the leadership of the Service Chiefs and Commissioner Generals, noting their commitment to duty and the welfare of their personnel. By tying his donation to festive Cheer Funds, Chivayo positions the contribution as both symbolic and practical, intended to support families, retirees, and personnel across the three security services.
The announcement comes at a time when Zimbabwe continues to grapple with economic challenges, including inflation, unemployment, and underfunded public institutions. In this context, Chivayo’s gesture is likely to continue generating debate over wealth, influence, and the role of private actors in public service delivery, even as the government evaluates how to formalize and oversee such contributions.
As Zimbabweans reflect on Unity Day, Chivayo’s pledge serves as a reminder of the complex intersection of business, politics, and security in the country, raising questions about accountability, equity, and the broader role of private philanthropy in state affairs.
Source- ZimEye
