By Munacho Gwamanda- Zanu PF sympathizer, a controversial businessman, and convicted fraudster Wicknell Chivhayo has once again defied Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, proceeding with his extravagant financial pledges despite growing political tensions and allegations of corruption.
Chivhayo, a self-styled benefactor known for his ostentatious generosity towards celebrities and public figures, has now shifted his focus to Zimbabwean football, where his involvement in the recent Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) presidential election has sparked widespread controversy.
Chivhayo has long been associated with dubious business dealings, state contracts, and allegations of financial misconduct.
His controversial past includes a 2005 fraud conviction and his involvement in the failed 100-megawatt Gwanda solar project, where he was awarded a US$172 million tender but failed to deliver, despite receiving an advance payment of US$5 million from the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC).
Despite numerous accusations of corruption and close ties to ruling party elites, Chivhayo has remained a high-profile businessman, often flaunting his wealth on social media and cultivating relationships with influential figures.
Vice President Chiwenga recently issued a stern warning against individuals leveraging their political connections for self-enrichment, condemning them for accumulating wealth through illicit means.
Speaking at the National Heroes Acre last week, Chiwenga—without naming Chivhayo directly—criticized certainfigures within ZANU-PF who had “grown big tummies through corruption.” The remarks were widely interpreted as a direct rebuke of Chivhayo’s activities and his growing influence.
In response, Chivhayo indirectly fired back at Chiwenga, dismissing him as a “failed politician.” His defiance signals a broader power struggle within the ruling elite, with Chivhayo seemingly enjoying protection from other high-ranking officials who benefit from his financial muscle.
Chivhayo’s latest controversy centers around the ZIFA presidential election held on January 25, where he faces accusations of vote-buying.
His financial backing of newly elected ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi has drawn scrutiny, with critics alleging that his promises of US$10 million and 78 brand-new vehicles to ZIFA voting delegates amounted to undue influence.
Despite the backlash, Chivhayo remains defiant. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), he dismissed the allegations as”baseless and misleading,” arguing that he holds no official role within ZIFA and is not bound by FIFA’s Code of Ethics. He further stated:
“If the losing candidates are so heartbroken, I’m happy to meet them, apologize, and agree on a gentleman’s private settlement, rather than have them tarnish my precious name over unfounded allegations.”
Twine Phiri and Phillemon Machana, the losing candidates in the ZIFA presidential election, have escalated the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), contesting Magwizi’s victory.
Magwizi secured a decisive win with 61 out of 77 votes (80%), while Machana and Phiri received six and four votes, respectively.
In their CAS submission filed on January 29, Phiri and Machana demand the annulment of the election results and call for fresh polls within 30 days.
They further seek to bar Magwizi from contesting again, accusing him of failing to distance himself from external financial backers like Chivhayo.
Their petition highlights alleged breaches of ZIFA statutes, including claims that Youth Minister Tino Machakaire improperly endorsed Magwizi before the election.
Additionally, one delegate reportedly photographed their ballot under duress, raising concerns over the credibility of the voting process.
Phiri and Machana argue that ZIFA statutes mandate immediate reporting of undue influence to FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), a requirement they claim was blatantly ignored.
If CAS rules in their favor, Zimbabwean football could face further turmoil, potentially leading to FIFA sanctions.
Chivhayo’s continued defiance of Chiwenga and his involvement in the ZIFA elections underscore his enduring influence despite a history of controversy.
As the legal battle unfolds, the case could expose deeper rifts within Zimbabwe’s political and business elite, with Chivhayo seemingly positioning himself as an untouchable figure.
Whether Chiwenga’s warnings will translate into tangible action against him remains to be seen, but for now, Chivhayo’sflamboyant defiance continues to dominate headlines.