Wicknell Chivayo’s controversial journey from convicted fraudster to one of Zimbabwe’s most influential tenderpreneurs offers a revealing glimpse into the country’s deeply rooted corruption, cronyism, and weakened institutions.
Despite a series of scandals and allegations, Chivayo has consistently landed lucrative government contracts, often without delivering results, raising serious questions about political shielding and systemic decay.
Chivayo’s background was anything but privileged. After leaving school at just 15, he took up work as a wages clerk before venturing into illegal foreign currency trading at Harare’s flea markets. In 2004, he was convicted of fraud involving over US$200,000.
After serving his sentence, Chivayo rebranded himself as a businessman, founding Intratek Zimbabwe, a company that would later secure multimillion-dollar public tenders, often failing to fulfil the agreed terms.
One of his most infamous deals came in 2016, when Intratek was awarded a US$172.8 million contract by the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) for the Gwanda Solar Project. Despite receiving a US$5.6 million advance, the project never progressed beyond initial stages. Public backlash followed, culminating in his 2018 arrest; yet this did little to deter future deals.
Initially affiliated with Grace Mugabe’s G40 political faction, Chivayo realigned with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s camp following the 2017 military-led transition of power. His close ties to the ruling elite appear to offer a protective shield, enabling him to secure contracts reportedly valued at nearly US$700 million. Audits, however, reveal little to no output from these deals.
More recently, Chivayo’s name resurfaced in connection with a scandal involving Ren-Form CC, a company reportedly linked to him.
The firm allegedly received R800 million (about US$40 million) out of a R1.2 billion (US$60 million) public fund tied to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s (ZEC) US$100 million tender, a transaction now under intense scrutiny for potential money laundering. International bodies have warned that such activities could land Zimbabwe on financial grey lists, harming the nation’s economic standing.
Despite mounting evidence, both the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and the national police have failed to act meaningfully. Meanwhile, Chivayo’s former associates Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu have faced arrest in separate multi-million-dollar scandals, including a failed presidential goat scheme and a Harare streetlighting tender.
The pair are also allegedly linked to leaked audio recordings in which Chivayo is heard boasting of his influence over President Mnangagwa and naming high-ranking individuals said to have received payments, including ZEC chair Priscilla Chigumba, former CIO boss Isaac Moyo, and gold magnate Scott Sakupwanya.
Outside of contracts, Chivayo has gained public attention for extravagant giveaways, including luxury vehicles, cash donations, and sponsorships of celebrities, musicians, and figures aligned with the ruling ZANU PF party. While framed as philanthropy, critics argue these acts serve to launder money and buy loyalty, reinforcing patronage networks disguised as goodwill.
Chivayo’s unchecked rise is a symptom of a wider governance crisis. His case exemplifies how politically connected individuals exploit state resources without fear of consequences, while everyday Zimbabweans struggle with deteriorating services and economic hardship.
Until Zimbabwe undertakes serious institutional reform and holds power brokers accountable, figures like Chivayo will continue to prosper at the nation’s expense.
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