Key facts
- Wicknell Chivayo, a Zimbabwean tycoon, died in a helicopter crash last week.
- He was 45 years old and died with his wife, Lucy Muteke.
- Chivayo was known for displaying his wealth, including luxury cars and cash, on social media.
- He was previously sentenced to prison for money laundering.
- His company, Intratrek Zimbabwe, was awarded a large contract for a solar power plant that has not been completed.
- Chivayo faced allegations of inflating prices for election materials, which he denied.
Wicknell Chivayo, a prominent and controversial Zimbabwean businessman, died last week in a helicopter crash along with his wife, Lucy Muteke. Chivayo, who referred to himself as 'Sir Wicknell,' was known for his ostentatious displays of wealth, including a fleet of luxury cars, and for his documented access to heads of state across Africa. His lifestyle and business dealings often drew criticism, with detractors questioning the origins of his wealth and his political connections in a country with high poverty levels.
Chivayo's admirers often pointed to his charitable donations, particularly to individuals and groups he deemed deserving. However, critics, such as Pedzisai Ruhanya, director of the Zimbabwe Democracy Institute, viewed these donations as grandstanding and attempts to curry favor with the ruling Zanu-PF party and influential figures. Despite the controversy, there has been an outpouring of grief from recipients of his generosity and tributes from politicians and business leaders.
Chivayo's early life saw him drop out of high school and work as a wages clerk before moving into selling mobile phones and dealing in foreign currency. In 2005, he was sentenced to five years in prison for money laundering, serving three years. Following his release, he entered the energy business, heading Intratrek Zimbabwe. This company was awarded a significant contract in 2015 to build a 100MW solar power station in Gwanda, valued at over $170 million, which has yet to be completed. Intratrek received an advance of more than $5 million for the project.
Despite past criticism from President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who once warned against "fly-by-night briefcase businessmen," Chivayo appeared to develop a close relationship with the president. He also posted photographs with opposition figures. In 2023, Chivayo faced allegations related to the procurement of materials for the elections, with claims that a supplier inflated prices and paid millions of rand to a company linked to him. Chivayo denied wrongdoing, and Zimbabwe's anti-corruption commission found no evidence linking him to procurement fraud. Ren-Form, the supplier, also denied any wrongdoing.
In April, Chivayo offered $10,000 to each of Zimbabwe's 360 legislators, an offer that drew accusations of attempting to influence a vote on a constitutional amendment. He withdrew the offer following backlash. He was also present at the engagement of Kenyan President William Ruto's daughter, a move that drew suspicion and criticism in Kenya.