Yesha
Senior Member
- Jan 28, 2026
- 147
- 76
Wicknell Chivayo became one of Zimbabwe’s most publicly visible philanthropists, with donations spanning churches, musicians, football clubs, schools, political organisations, journalists, families affected by tragedy and individuals facing financial hardship.
His reported giving included millions of US dollars in cash, luxury vehicles, buses and other forms of assistance. A July 2026 analysis by Zimbabwe News Now estimated that Chivayo had publicly given at least US$43.9 million to more than 120 individuals and organisations since March 2024, while noting that the actual figure could be higher because some donations were not publicly disclosed.
CHURCHES AND RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS
Zion Christian Church — US$1 Million
In March 2024, Chivayo donated US$1 million to the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) during its Easter Passover gathering at Mbungo Estates in Masvingo.
He later announced several gifts for Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi, including a US$400,000 Range Rover Autobiography SV and a US$190,000 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series for Amai Mutendi.
After the Range Rover was damaged before delivery, Chivayo announced a replacement 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GL600, reportedly worth about US$550,000, along with another US$1 million cash donation for Mutendi’s philanthropic activities.
By 2026, media reports placed his publicly reported support to Mutendi and ZCC at more than US$4 million.
Johane Masowe Church
In January 2024, Chivayo reportedly gave 50 church members Toyota Aqua vehicles, collectively valued at about US$400,000. By December 2025, reports said he had provided the church with more than 50 additional vehicles and buses.
He also announced a Christmas giveaway for 6,000 members of the Marondera branch, with each receiving US$300 and two hampers—equivalent to US$1.8 million in cash, excluding the hampers.
In November 2025, he donated 10 buses, each valued at about US$210,000.
United Family International Church
In August 2026, shortly before his death, Chivayo pledged US$1 million to United Family International Church, led by Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa, for church construction and development.
He also announced a 2026 Rolls-Royce Cullinan for Makandiwa and a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon for his wife, Ruth. These were reported as forthcoming gifts.
Uebert Angel (Spirit Embassy - The GoodNews Church)
In 2025, Chivayo announced a 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan for Prophet Uebert Angel, estimated by H-Metro at about US$1.2 million. He also announced a Lexus GX 550, valued at about US$210,000, for Angel’s wife and a Bentley Continental GT, reportedly worth about US$670,000, for their son.
The combined reported value exceeded US$2 million.
Eunor Guti (mother of ZAOGA Forward in Faith Ministries International)
ZAOGA leader Archbishop Eunor Guti disclosed in 2025 that she had declined a US$2 million cash offer and a luxury Toyota Land Cruiser from Chivayo, saying the money and vehicle should instead go to others.
MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT
Chivayo's support for Zimbabwe's entertainment industry included cash, luxury vehicles and other assistance.
Jah Prayzah reportedly received a Mercedes-Benz S500 valued at about US$180,000, a Toyota Aqua for his son’s school transport, US$20,000 cash, Toyota Aqua vehicles for members of his band and dance team, a 2025 Range Rover Autobiography and another US$150,000 cash.
Earlier, in 2017, Chivayo reportedly paid US$10,000 for the first copy of Jah Prayzah’s Kutonga Kwaro and gave his wife US$2,000.
Other reported gifts included:
- Alick Macheso: Mercedes-Benz GLE400d, about US$140,000
- Tocky Vibes: Mercedes-Benz GLE350d, about US$90,000
- Dorcas Moyo: 2025 Toyota Fortuner and US$20,000 cash
- Freddy “Kapfupi” Manjalima: Toyota Aqua, later followed by a replacement vehicle offer of about US$9,000 and US$3,000 for insurance
- Mathias Mhere, Diana Samkange and Andy Muridzo: Mercedes-Benz C-Class vehicles
- Sandra Ndebele: Mercedes-Benz GLE400d, about US$155,000
Leonard Dembo’s Family
Chivayo supported the family of late sungura musician Leonard Dembo after reports highlighted their financial difficulties.
His widow, Eunice, received a Toyota Fortuner and US$50,000 cash to start a business, while their three children; Morgan, Tendai and Fenistia, each received a Toyota Aqua.
The family therefore received four vehicles and US$50,000.
JOURNALIST AND MEDIA WORKERS
Veteran ZBC journalist Reuben Barwe received a Toyota Land Cruiser VXR LX 300 Series, reportedly worth about US$200,000, and US$100,000 cash in May 2025.
In May 2026, Chivayo offered US$1,000 each to 30 Capitalk FM employees, totalling US$30,000. He also offered a Toyota Fortuner to presenter Phathisani Sibanda and a Toyota Aqua to another employee.
However, Zimpapers' internal gifts policy limited accepted gifts to US$100, meaning some of the announced gifts had to be returned. This highlights the need to distinguish between announced offers and gifts actually accepted.
FOOTBALL
Highlanders FC
Chivayo pledged US$1 million to Highlanders FC in 2025, including an initial US$250,000 for player welfare, administration and recruitment.
By February 2026, club officials had received vehicles worth a combined US$317,500:
Chivayo supported the family of late sungura musician Leonard Dembo after reports highlighted their financial difficulties.
His widow, Eunice, received a Toyota Fortuner and US$50,000 cash to start a business, while their three children; Morgan, Tendai and Fenistia, each received a Toyota Aqua.
The family therefore received four vehicles and US$50,000.
JOURNALIST AND MEDIA WORKERS
Veteran ZBC journalist Reuben Barwe received a Toyota Land Cruiser VXR LX 300 Series, reportedly worth about US$200,000, and US$100,000 cash in May 2025.
In May 2026, Chivayo offered US$1,000 each to 30 Capitalk FM employees, totalling US$30,000. He also offered a Toyota Fortuner to presenter Phathisani Sibanda and a Toyota Aqua to another employee.
However, Zimpapers' internal gifts policy limited accepted gifts to US$100, meaning some of the announced gifts had to be returned. This highlights the need to distinguish between announced offers and gifts actually accepted.
FOOTBALL
Highlanders FC
Chivayo pledged US$1 million to Highlanders FC in 2025, including an initial US$250,000 for player welfare, administration and recruitment.
By February 2026, club officials had received vehicles worth a combined US$317,500:
- Coach Benjani Mwaruwari — Ford Everest, about US$92,000
- Board chairman Luke Mnkandla — Toyota Fortuner, about US$80,500
- CEO Denzil Mnkandla — Toyota Fortuner, about US$72,500
- Legends chairman Madinda Ndlovu — Toyota Fortuner, about US$72,500
The club was also due the remaining US$500,000 from the original commitment.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA)
After Nqobile Magwizi became ZIFA president in January 2025, Chivayo announced a Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series worth about US$200,000 for him and said other board members and councillors would also receive vehicles.
He also pledged US$10 million for ZIFA football development, including grassroots development, operational improvements and commercialisation.
These should be treated as pledges unless separately confirmed as delivered.
POLITICAL AND GOVERNMENT-RELATED DONATIONS
In December 2025, Chivayo announced a package of vehicles and cash for ZANU PF structures, reportedly worth about US$5.3 million. It included:
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA)
After Nqobile Magwizi became ZIFA president in January 2025, Chivayo announced a Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series worth about US$200,000 for him and said other board members and councillors would also receive vehicles.
He also pledged US$10 million for ZIFA football development, including grassroots development, operational improvements and commercialisation.
These should be treated as pledges unless separately confirmed as delivered.
POLITICAL AND GOVERNMENT-RELATED DONATIONS
In December 2025, Chivayo announced a package of vehicles and cash for ZANU PF structures, reportedly worth about US$5.3 million. It included:
- Six Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series vehicles for the ZANU PF Women’s League leadership
- 10 Toyota Hilux GD6 vehicles for provincial Women’s League structures
- US$500,000 cash for ZANU PF across 10 provinces
- Five Toyota Hilux GD6 vehicles for Young Women for Economic Development
- US$100,000 cash for the group
He later announced a proposed US$3.6 million donation to MPs and senators, with each of 360 legislators expected to receive US$10,000 for constituency development. However, this was announced as a pledge and should not automatically be treated as money that had been distributed before his death.
SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE FACING TRAGEDY
In April 2026, Chivayo gave Ronald Mujuru a Toyota Fortuner worth about US$80,000 and US$50,000 cash after Mujuru lost his wife and five children in a road accident.
EDUCATION
In November 2025, Chivayo donated:
SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE FACING TRAGEDY
In April 2026, Chivayo gave Ronald Mujuru a Toyota Fortuner worth about US$80,000 and US$50,000 cash after Mujuru lost his wife and five children in a road accident.
EDUCATION
In November 2025, Chivayo donated:
- A bus worth about US$210,000 to Dudley Hall Primary School, where he attended primary school
- Another US$210,000 bus to John Landa Nkomo School
Together with the 10 buses donated to Johanne Masowe, the 12 buses were reportedly worth about US$2.52 million.
SUPPORT FOR ZIMBABWEANS STRANDED IN SOUTH AFRICA
In July 2026, Chivayo announced a US$1 million contribution towards repatriating Zimbabweans stranded in South Africa.
He said the contribution followed a meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who had asked him to assist. Chivayo said the funds would be mobilised through business associates, relatives and financial institutions before being made available to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
Because it was announced as a commitment, it should be described as a pledged contribution unless confirmed others.
OTHER REPORTED GIFTS
Other beneficiaries included church leaders, comedians, musicians, sports personalities, public figures and individuals who sought assistance through social media.
A 2025 compilation reported that more than 100 vehicles had been distributed since 2023, although the total varies depending on whether promised, delivered and replacement vehicles are included.
Among other reported beneficiaries were former ZBC presenter Simon “Pashoma” Ncube, who received about US$20,000 and a US$15,000 vehicle, and ZPCS officer Christine Madeyi, who received a Mercedes-Benz C200 and US$10,000 cash.
BEYOND THE DONATIONS
Chivayo’s death also raises questions about the business interests, projects and commitments associated with him.
One closely watched project is the 100MW Gwanda Solar Project, which has faced years of delays and contractual disputes. Questions also remain over other projects and financial commitments linked to his businesses.
A fuller account of his legacy therefore involves not only how much he gave away, but also which commitments were fulfilled, which remained outstanding, and what happens to the businesses and projects connected to him.
SUPPORT FOR ZIMBABWEANS STRANDED IN SOUTH AFRICA
In July 2026, Chivayo announced a US$1 million contribution towards repatriating Zimbabweans stranded in South Africa.
He said the contribution followed a meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who had asked him to assist. Chivayo said the funds would be mobilised through business associates, relatives and financial institutions before being made available to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
Because it was announced as a commitment, it should be described as a pledged contribution unless confirmed others.
OTHER REPORTED GIFTS
Other beneficiaries included church leaders, comedians, musicians, sports personalities, public figures and individuals who sought assistance through social media.
A 2025 compilation reported that more than 100 vehicles had been distributed since 2023, although the total varies depending on whether promised, delivered and replacement vehicles are included.
Among other reported beneficiaries were former ZBC presenter Simon “Pashoma” Ncube, who received about US$20,000 and a US$15,000 vehicle, and ZPCS officer Christine Madeyi, who received a Mercedes-Benz C200 and US$10,000 cash.
BEYOND THE DONATIONS
Chivayo’s death also raises questions about the business interests, projects and commitments associated with him.
One closely watched project is the 100MW Gwanda Solar Project, which has faced years of delays and contractual disputes. Questions also remain over other projects and financial commitments linked to his businesses.
A fuller account of his legacy therefore involves not only how much he gave away, but also which commitments were fulfilled, which remained outstanding, and what happens to the businesses and projects connected to him.
