Zimbabwean businessman and philanthropist Sir Wicknell Chivayo has once again made headlines, this time for splurging over $5.3 million (approximately R92 million) on his 43rd birthday. Known for his high-profile lifestyle and generous acts, the Intratrek Zimbabwe owner turned the occasion into a display of largesse, distributing vehicles, cash, and other gifts to political, social, and religious institutions.
Chivayo, who was earlier this year named Africa’s second biggest philanthropist by Fortune Africa Magazine, has built a reputation for combining business acumen with charitable giving. His birthday celebrations, marked by high-value donations, reflect both his personal wealth and his commitment to supporting a range of causes, from women’s empowerment to religious institutions.
Leveraging his significant social media presence, Chivayo announced the donations, which drew widespread attention online and reignited discussions about the country’s wealthy elite and their contributions to society. Among the standout gifts were six 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 VXR vehicles, valued at $1.14 million (R19.8 million), presented to the top leadership of Zanu PF’s Women’s League. The organisation also received ten Toyota Hilux double cabs worth $650,000 (R11.3 million), alongside five additional Hilux vehicles valued at $325,000 (R5.6 million) allocated to the Young Women for Economic Development (4ED) initiative.
In addition to vehicles, Chivayo made cash donations to both groups. The Women’s League received $100,000 (R1.7 million), while Young Women 4ED was gifted $500,000 (R8.7 million). These contributions come at a time when several international organisations and world leaders have been advocating for the empowerment and emancipation of women, making Chivayo’s gesture particularly timely.
Unheard of Generosity’: Tycoon Sir Wicknell Chivayo Donates R92m
The tycoon’s generosity extended beyond political and social organisations. As a devoted member of the Johanne Masowe Chishanu Church, Chivayo donated ten 75-seater buses to the church, ensuring transport capacity for congregants. He also donated two additional buses to local schools, bringing the total value of his birthday gifts to $5,235,000 (R92 million).
While his lifestyle is often described as lavish, philanthropy has become a hallmark of Chivayo’s public image. This is not the first time he has made headline-grabbing donations. In previous years, he has recognised notable Zimbabwean talents, institutions, and religious organisations. Last year, for instance, he made headlines after donating R18 million to the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) during their annual Easter gathering, an event attended by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Public reaction to Chivayo’s generosity has been mixed. Many have applauded his acts of kindness, viewing him as a businessman who gives back to society. Others have scrutinised his wealth and business portfolio, connecting his sources of income to transport, logistics, and tender acquisitions.
Chivayo himself has spoken openly about his business ventures. His company, Intratrek Zimbabwe, specialises in transport and logistics, particularly fuel transportation. It operates multiple routes across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and is regarded as one of the largest fuel transporters in Southern Africa.
In addition to logistics, Chivayo is a prominent tenderpreneur. Through Intratrek, he has secured multiple multimillion-dollar tenders across Africa, primarily in the energy sector. The company focuses on engineering, procurement, and construction projects within renewable energy and has expanded operations to countries including Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania. His business acumen has earned him meetings with several heads of state, including Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, Kenyan President William Ruto, and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Chivayo has previously shared insights into his early business career. In a 2016 interview with radio personality Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa, he revealed that he became a millionaire at the age of 19—a fact that continues to surprise many, given the scale of his wealth at such a young age.
While some observers remain critical of his business dealings and public image, there is no denying that Sir Wicknell Chivayo has combined entrepreneurial success with significant acts of giving. His birthday celebrations, punctuated by high-value donations, reinforce the dual aspects of his reputation: a flamboyant businessman with a flair for generosity, and a philanthropist actively supporting political, social, and religious initiatives in Zimbabwe.
Whether through vehicles, cash contributions, or support for education and women’s empowerment, Chivayo’s birthday spree once again thrust him into the national spotlight, highlighting the growing role of high-net-worth individuals in Zimbabwe’s social and civic landscape.
Source- iHarare
