Harare – Wicknell Chivayo, the Zimbabwean businessman often referred to as a “tenderpreneur” due to his controversial dealings, has once again captured public attention with an extravagant gift to veteran Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) journalist, Reuben Barwe.
This Thursday, Barwe, a long-serving figure at the state broadcaster, was presented with a brand-new 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser VXR LX 300 Series and a substantial US$100,000 in cash. The gift, Chivayo stated, was in recognition of Barwe’s decades of service to ZBC and his unwavering “patriotism, excellence and resolute service as one of Zimbabwe’s finest journalists and news reporters.”
Chivayo initially announced his gesture on X (formerly Twitter), addressing Barwe directly: “Please go and see Farai at FARAMATSI Motors, Club Chambers Showroom, corner 3rd Street and Nelson Mandela Avenue — your brand new 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser VXR LX 300 series is ready for collection and fully paid for.”
In addition to the vehicle, Chivayo gifted Barwe US$100,000 in cash, describing it as a “small token” to help him navigate the challenges of Zimbabwe’s economic climate. “To keep you afloat, a small token of US$100,000 in cash pocket money is also ready for collection from my lawyer Mr Sikhumbuzo Mpofu at Munangati and Associates at your earliest convenience,” he added.
Barwe has since confirmed that Chivayo deposited the US$100,000 directly into his bank account, expressing his gratitude for both the money and the vehicle.
“Yes, I want to acknowledge that Sir Wicknell has deposited a hundred thousand United States dollars into my account on top of the vehicle he donated to me today. I want to thank him for his generosity,” Barwe stated in a video shared by social media personality Cleopas Huruva Mukungunugwa, also known as C.H. Mukungunugwa.
Barwe, reflecting on his career, highlighted his dedication to “defending Zimbabwe’s interests” through his work at ZBC. He spoke of the difficulties he has faced, including being placed under sanctions by Western governments, but stressed that he never wavered in his commitment to telling Zimbabwe’s story.
“I’ve been in service over 40 years, working for this country. Being put on sanctions by the Americans and by the Europeans, but I stood fast, and it is this young man who later recognised that this man has been persistent, consistent, defending Zimbabwe’s interests on the box, and I’m also very grateful,” Barwe explained.
However, the story takes an interesting turn with Barwe revealing that President Emmerson Mnangagwa himself played a role in the gift. According to Barwe, the President gave his approval for Chivayo to bestow the luxury vehicle and cash upon him.
“I also thanked him and the President of the Republic for consenting that I should get this gift. Well appreciated, Sir Wicknell,” Barwe confirmed.
Chivayo’s actions have sparked a wave of debate, with many questioning the source of his wealth and the motivations behind his generosity. Critics have pointed to Zimbabwe’s struggling public healthcare system, suggesting that Chivayo’s resources could be better used to address critical needs within the country.
One critic questioned why Chivayo’s “heart is not moved by Zimbabwe’s crumbling public healthcare system, where many expect him to seed more resources to save lives.”
Chivayo, however, has defended his right to spend his money as he sees fit, asserting that no one should dictate how he utilises his wealth.
The relationship between Chivayo and the government has also come under scrutiny. President Mnangagwa has previously described Chivayo as a “genuine philanthropist,” stating that he could not dictate how the businessman spends his money.
However, earlier this year, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, without naming Chivayo directly, criticised individuals he described as “zvigananda” – a Shona term for those who “loot State resources shamelessly and then retreat into the shadows.”
Chivayo’s sources of income have long been a subject of public speculation, with many questioning how he has amassed such wealth at a relatively young age. His involvement in various government contracts has also raised eyebrows, with critics alleging that he has benefited from preferential treatment due to his connections within the ruling party.
The gift to Barwe has further fuelled these debates, with some suggesting that it is an attempt by Chivayo to curry favour with the state broadcaster and ensure positive media coverage. Others have defended Chivayo’s right to spend his money as he pleases, arguing that his generosity should be applauded rather than criticised.
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