Flamboyant businessman Wicknell Chivayo has once again commanded public attention after announcing an extraordinary US$1 million (approximately R18 million) donation to his former primary school, Dudley Hall Primary in Norton. The announcement came just a day after the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education clarified that schools are not prohibited from receiving donations from politically exposed persons, provided all procedures are followed. Chivayo’s timing — coupled with the highly specific conditions he attached to the donation — has sparked wide debate on social media and in education circles.
The donation was unveiled through a lengthy social media post on 26 November 2025, where Chivayo referenced a news article quoting Education Minister Torerayi Moyo. On 25 November, Minister Moyo had publicly stated that the Ministry does not bar contributions from politically exposed individuals. He emphasised that what matters is transparency, adherence to guidelines, and approval through the proper channels. Chivayo appeared to take this statement as an official green light, responding barely 24 hours later with what he described as an act of gratitude to the school that shaped his early years.
However, the businessman — known for his extravagant lifestyle and meticulous demands — outlined several non-negotiable conditions before Dudley Hall Primary can access the funds. He specified that the US$1 million must be exclusively used to construct two new dormitory blocks. Beyond that, Chivayo personally dictated the names of the buildings, ordering that one be named Emmerson Dambudzo House and the other Auxillia House, in honour of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa.
In his post, Chivayo criticised the current naming system used by the school, describing the existing dormitory names as “meaningless” and disconnected from the country’s revolutionary history. He insisted that institutions should adopt names that reflect national values and leadership. This aspect of his donation has already become one of the most discussed elements, with some praising his patriotism and others questioning whether donors should wield such influence over public institutions.
Chivayo went even further by prescribing which companies should handle the construction. He directed Radx Construction to build the structure designated as Auxillia House, while Frost and Tulip Construction would be responsible for Emmerson House. The architectural designs, he added, must be produced by Studio 5 Architects. Such a high level of donor control is unusual in public school infrastructure projects, which typically follow competitive procurement procedures guided by government regulations.
US$1 Million Donation: Chivayo Gives Back to His Former Primary School After Minister’s Remarks
The financial structure of the gift is also intricate. Chivayo instructed that the entire US$1 million be placed into a trust account administered by one of three specific law firms of his choosing. The selected firm would receive an additional US$50,000 (approximately R900,000) as a management fee. He stressed that this arrangement was essential to ensure accountability and to guarantee that the money would be used strictly for its intended purpose.
This donation follows an earlier gift from Chivayo — a school bus for Dudley Hall Primary. In his latest statement, he provided detailed instructions on how the bus should be collected. He directed that the vehicle be picked up on Sunday, 14 December, from the Johane Masowe Gwanzura branch. Moreover, he specified that the representatives collecting the bus were required to wear white and khaki attire. These highly specific ceremonial requirements drew wide reactions online, with many noting that such instructions are consistent with Chivayo’s flamboyant public persona.
Chivayo ended his announcement with a religious quote, writing:
“COURAGE BROTHER DO NOT STUMBLE, THOUGH THY PATH BE DARK AT NIGHT, THERE’S A STAR TO GUIDE THE HUMBLE… TRUST IN GOD AND DO THE RIGHT… AMEN…”
The quotation further emphasised the moral and spiritual framing he often attaches to his philanthropy.
The school’s involvement with Chivayo dates back to a letter written on 16 September 2025, in which Dudley Hall Primary requested assistance for a hostel and a school bus. Responding to public speculation, Minister Moyo confirmed that the school had indeed approached Chivayo because he is a former student. He stressed that there was “nothing amiss about that,” adding that alumni contributions are common and encouraged, provided that all donations — regardless of the donor — undergo proper assessment and align with the Ministry’s educational goals.
Minister Moyo reiterated that the Ministry’s role is to ensure transparency, uphold regulations, and safeguard the integrity of public education institutions. While he acknowledged the scale of Chivayo’s donation as significant, he emphasised that the same scrutiny applied to any other donor would equally apply in this case.
Chivayo’s million-dollar gesture — complete with symbolic naming, predetermined contractors, and ceremonial instructions — continues to generate conversation nationwide. Whether viewed as patriotic philanthropy or a display of flamboyant influence, the donation has undeniably placed Dudley Hall Primary back into the national spotlight.
Source- iHarare
