Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has announced that he will be gifting 15 Toyota Fortuners and $5,000 each to 15 members of the Johane Masowe church. The recipients include Tineyi Munetsi, a former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) parliamentary candidate for Goromonzi West. Chivayo made the announcement on social media, stating that the gifts were in recognition of the recipients' commitment, faithful service, and respect for the teachings of their church.
Munetsi contested the Goromonzi West seat for the CCC in the 2023 general election. His selection as the party's candidate was marred by controversy, with Luke Tamborinyoka, a veteran opposition figure, claiming that he had been sidelined despite winning the party's internal selection process. Tamborinyoka ultimately urged his supporters to rally behind Munetsi, who went on to lose the constituency to Zanu PF candidate Beatrice Nyamupinga.
Chivayo claims that the 15 Toyota Fortuners cost a combined $1.2 million, with each vehicle valued at around $80,000. In addition to the vehicles, he will also be giving each recipient $5,000, taking the total value of the gifts to $1.275 million. The beneficiaries were selected from Domboshava, Chiweshe, and Murehwa.
The recipients from Domboshava include BaFedhas Nyakudya, BaWashington Ngomakurira, BaFunny Chonyera Jecha, BaLot Chitate Garimo, and Tineyi Munetsi Nyakudya. Chivayo's gifts have been met with scrutiny, with some questioning the motives behind his generosity. Chivayo maintains that the donations are personal gestures of appreciation and denies allegations that they are intended to buy political influence or loyalty.
This is not Chivayo's first time gifting vehicles and cash to individuals and groups. He has been involved in several high-profile giveaways in the past, including a recent donation of $350,000 to a war veterans' lawyer. Chivayo's actions have sparked debate, with some praising his generosity and others questioning his motives.
The Johane Masowe church is a prominent apostolic church in Zimbabwe, known for its conservative teachings and large following. Chivayo's gifts to the church members are seen as a significant gesture of appreciation for their commitment to the church. The recipients are expected to collect the vehicles from Enterprise Car Sales on Wednesday.
Chivayo's latest giveaway comes amid heightened scrutiny of his business dealings and philanthropic activities. Despite the controversy surrounding his gifts, Chivayo remains a prominent figure in Zimbabwean business and philanthropy.
Key points
- Wicknell Chivayo gifts 15 Toyota Fortuners and $5,000 each to Johane Masowe church members.
- Tineyi Munetsi, a former CCC candidate, is among the recipients of Chivayo's gifts.
- Chivayo's gifts have sparked debate, with some questioning his motives and others praising his generosity.
