'Sir Wicknell' Chivayo — The Zimbabwean Tycoon Loved and Hated in Africa

Wicknell Chivayo, a rich and famous Zimbabwean businessman known as "Sir Wicknell," died last week in a helicopter crash. His wife, Lucy Muteke, also died in the crash. Chivayo was 45 years old and was one of the most talked-about people in Zimbabwe. His death has caused both sadness and anger across Africa.

Chivayo loved showing off his wealth on social media. He posted photos and videos of piles of cash, expensive cars, fancy watches, and designer shoes. He owned many Rolls-Royces and took his followers on video tours of his home and belongings. Some people admired him for sharing his money, but others thought his displays were wrong in a country where nearly half the people live in poverty.

He grew up with very little. His father died when Wicknell was just 10 years old, and his family could no longer pay for school. He dropped out of high school at age 15. His first job was as a wages clerk for a bus company. Later, he began selling mobile phones and dealing in foreign currency, sometimes illegally, during a time when Zimbabwe's economy was in crisis.

In 2005, Chivayo was sentenced to five years in prison for money laundering. He served three years at Chikurubi Maximum Prison in Zimbabwe. After his release, he went into the energy business and began winning large government contracts. Some people called him a "tenderpreneur," meaning someone who makes money mainly by getting deals from the government.

His company, Intratrek Zimbabwe, won a contract worth more than $170 million to build a large solar power station near the town of Gwanda. However, the plant was never built, even after Intratrek received more than $5 million upfront. A government inquiry called Intratrek a "briefcase company," meaning it looked like a real business on paper but lacked real skills. Just weeks before Chivayo died, his company was given 24 more months to finally finish the project.

Chivayo became very close to Zimbabwe's president, Emmerson Mnangagwa. Early on, Mnangagwa criticized him, even hinting that Chivayo could end up back in prison. But over time, the two became friendly. Photos showed them relaxing together on sofas, and Chivayo often praised the president publicly. He also supported the ruling party, Zanu-PF, and faced accusations of trying to influence politicians with money.

In 2024, Chivayo offered each of Zimbabwe's 360 lawmakers $10,000 in cash. Many people believed he was trying to influence a vote to extend the president's time in power. He was forced to take back the offer after public anger. When the law was later passed, a Zanu-PF video showed Chivayo celebrating on his private jet.

He was famous for giving away cars and large amounts of cash to musicians, religious leaders, politicians, and sports figures. The gifts started around 2023 and became bigger and bigger over time. Top musician Jah Prayzah received three luxury cars and about $400,000. A powerful church bishop received four luxury cars and millions of dollars in donations. Jah Prayzah even postponed his wedding because of Chivayo's death.

Not everyone accepted his gifts. A well-known Zimbabwean musician named Thomas Mapfumo turned down a car and a house in 2024, calling Chivayo's money "dirty." However, Mapfumo later accepted $1 million to perform at a party. A church widow also turned down a luxury car and $250,000 in cash from Chivayo.

Chivayo also built friendships with many African leaders. He posted photos with presidents from Nigeria, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and South Africa. In Kenya, President William Ruto personally drove Chivayo and his wife to their helicopter after they attended his daughter's engagement party. After the crash, Ruto praised Chivayo warmly, but many Kenyans pushed back hard, calling Chivayo a troubling figure.

Critics said Chivayo's generosity mostly helped powerful and wealthy people rather than ordinary Zimbabweans. "He was busy doling out cars and cash to the rich while the Zimbabwean public health system is collapsing," said Christabel Moyo, an accountant from Harare. However, supporters pointed out that he also donated 20 ambulances to Zimbabwe's struggling health system and gave buses and money to schools.

Chivayo's death leaves many unanswered questions. People are still wondering how he went from a poor school dropout to a multi-millionaire who gave away millions. His supporters mourn him as a generous man who shared his success. His critics say his money came from shady deals and that his giving was meant to buy power and influence. Either way, "Sir Wicknell" Chivayo was one of the most unusual and controversial figures in modern African history.