Zimbabwe’s ‘Sir Wicknell’: The Tycoon Everyone Is Talking About

Zimbabwean tycoon Wicknell Chivayo, known as “Sir Wicknell,” captivates a divided public with his habit of giving away luxury cars and cash, particularly to supporters of the ruling Zanu-PF party. While his philanthropy gains attention online, questions about the legitimacy of his wealth persist amid scrutiny and allegations of corruption. Chivayo maintains a close association with power figures, confidently confronting critics and proclaiming his ambition to be a billionaire.

In Zimbabwe, a flashy tycoon dubbed “Sir Wicknell” has piqued both admiration and skepticism. His unusual philanthropy, giving away high-end cars along with significant cash sums, has sparked conversations nationwide—some are wowed, while others raise eyebrows. Wicknell Chivayo, as he is known outside his grand title, bestows luxury vehicles like Mercedes-Benzes and Range Rovers on various personalities, including musicians, gospel singers, and loyal supporters of the ruling Zanu-PF party.

The 44-year-old businessman often shares these generous moments on social media. Typically, a glimmering car, adorned with balloons and big bows, is showcased alongside congratulatory messages to recipients on collection instructions from luxury dealerships in Harare. Recently, he told popular musician Jah Prayzah to collect a 2025 Range Rover and a cash gift of $150,000 at a local dealership. Chivayo’s public gifting frenzy seems boundless, and he even regales fans with memes about it.

However, his rise to fame poses many questions about wealth sources in a nation where so many struggle economically. While Sir Wicknell splurges on cars and expensive gifts, details regarding the origins of his significant fortune remain unclear. On Instagram, he flaunts his extravagant lifestyle—from costly footwear to holidays in major cities, alongside new developments like his private jet.

Chivayo’s closeness to influential figures is evident in his social media posts, often featuring him with politicians from the late President Robert Mugabe to current leaders in various African nations. A business associate claimed that Chivayo is politically shielded, navigating the treacherous waters of business while remaining mindful of every dollar spent.

Wicknell’s business dealings, however, have faced scrutiny. He boasts about securing lucrative government tenders tied to his ventures in renewable energy and construction. His company was even implicated in controversial projects, including a solar power plant that became mired in fraud allegations. Though he is often reticent about his finances, he attributes his wealth to perseverance and his humble beginnings in Harare’s township of Chitungwiza after losing his father at a young age.

Some critics argue that Chivayo exemplifies both the success and the darker aspects of Zimbabwe’s indigenization policy, while others see him as a symbol of corruption. Recent media intrigue includes inquiries by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission as allegations surface about substantial earnings through alleged tender deals. A leaked audio purportedly features Chivayo discussing payments related to election materials tendering, casting shadows on his dealings.

The government and Chivayo have dismissed these claims as baseless, with the businessman claiming that the audio was a deep fake. Nonetheless, the ripple effects from the scandal have been significant, with arrests made of those linked to separate, serious financial misappropriations. Further discussions ensued this week over an alleged $500 million contract concerning the supply of cancer treatment equipment—a deal said to sidestep public tendering processes.

In the face of such tumult, Chivayo reiterated that his focus remains on his business endeavors rather than a political career. He is keen to brush off his “haters,” proudly proclaiming his ambition to achieve billionaire status. With a new family and a vow to maintain his lifestyle amid controversies, Sir Wicknell continues to occupy Zimbabwe’s headlines and hearts—and yet always walks a fine line with the power dynamics underlying his opulence.

Wicknell Chivayo, a self-styled tycoon in Zimbabwe, captivates many with his high-profile car gifts and displays of wealth. While he enjoys significant media attention and flaunts his lifestyle, questions about the legitimacy of his wealth remain persistent. His connection to political power raises eyebrows, as ongoing investigations cast shadows on his business practices. Chivayo appears to relish in both admiration and controversy, with a determination to silence critics while advancing his interests.

Original Source: www.bbc.com