By A Correspondent | ZimEye | President Mnangagwa arrives at ZITF fronted by the same convicted fraudster @wicknellchivayo
who SA authorities expect to be under arrest over high profile R1 billion money laundering.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s arrival at the 2025 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) was a theatrical contradiction to the event’s stated purpose — to promote honest business and trade ethics. In a moment heavy with irony, the head of state walked into the venue flanked by convicted fraudster Wicknell Chivayo, a man who has become a walking emblem of Zimbabwe’s controversial tender culture.

Chivayo, visually dominant in the footage, occupied more than just physical space; he symbolized the elephant in the room. His presence cast a long shadow over an event meant to celebrate transparency and opportunity. Chivayo is currently under investigation by South Africa’s Financial Intelligence Centre over the alleged diversion of R1 billion in public funds, and has been linked to a string of Zimbabwean tenders — including the infamous Gwanda Solar Project, the ZEC ballot paper contract, and now a staggering USD $627 million road construction tender.

Mnangagwa has repeatedly denied having personal business ties to Chivayo, but today’s appearance paints a damning picture. Not only was Chivayo part of the president’s inner circle at a state-sanctioned economic event, but his presence directly undermined the ZITF’s credibility. For many observers, the optics suggested a tacit endorsement of corruption dressed in the garb of economic empowerment.

This is not just poor political judgment — it is a signal. To appear with a man heard in multiple leaked audios brazenly orchestrating tender grabs across government departments, at a venue claiming to champion “innovative and honest business,” is to show contempt for public accountability.

At a time when the nation is grappling with crumbling infrastructure, collapsing healthcare, and international reputational damage, Mnangagwa’s parade of the untouchable tender kingpin can only be read as a message: in Zimbabwe, proximity to power shields you from scrutiny — even at events designed to inspire trust.

The ZITF may claim to “delight” with “seamless service,” but today, the only message that landed was that the business of state remains in the hands of those who have long perfected the art of undelivered promises.- ZimEye