ED & Chivayo turns Zim into a State of handouts

Mnangagwa donates rice to hungry citizens as Chivayo dishes out $100 notes in Victoria Falls

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has donated four metric tonnes of rice to be distributed among 360 Members of the National Assembly and Senate. The donation is part of ongoing efforts to address the hunger crisis affecting over half of the country’s population.

The donation was revealed in a letter dated December 19, written by the Secretary of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare, Simon Masanga, to Grain Marketing Board (GMB) CEO Edson Badarai. The letter outlines the allocation of the rice, which is to be distributed by the lawmakers to indigent members of their constituencies, both in urban and rural areas.

“Please be advised that His Excellency Emmerson Mnangagwa has allocated 4mt to 360 Members of the National Assembly and Senate, for distribution to the indigent members within their respective constituencies in both urban and rural areas,” Masanga’s letter stated.

Zimbabwe is currently grappling with a severe El Nino-induced drought that has left millions in urgent need of food aid. In response to the crisis, President Mnangagwa declared the drought a state of national disaster and made an urgent appeal for US$3 billion in international aid to mitigate the effects of the drought and prevent widespread starvation.
This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) recently reported that it successfully assisted over 269,000 people across Buhera, Mwenezi, and Mangwe districts, through funding from its Africa Risk Capacity insurance payout. The Zimbabwean government has also launched its own food distribution exercise to address the needs of those most affected by the drought.

However, reports of food aid being politicized have surfaced, with the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) accusing Zanu-PF activists of unfairly allocating food assistance to those who are loyal to the ruling party. A November report by the ZPP highlighted that food distribution in several areas has been marred by political favoritism, with those perceived as opposition supporters being excluded from receiving aid.

“The distribution of aid in Zimbabwe has been marred by rampant discrimination, with the majority of cases being politically motivated,” the report said. “The ruling Zanu-PF party’s overbearing influence in districts and wards has largely resulted in the unfair allocation of aid, with those perceived to be opposition supporters being denied assistance.”

Zanu-PF officials have denied these allegations, but the issue of food politicization continues to spark controversy. In a related incident, Zanu-PF lawmakers Wiriranai Muchemwa and councillor Knowledge Chipindu were arrested for allegedly stealing 40 tonnes of food aid worth US$12,000.

The ongoing food crisis in Zimbabwe is also compounded by long-standing challenges in food production. Since the early 2000s, the country has struggled to produce enough food to sustain its population due to the disruptions caused by the land reform program led by former President Robert Mugabe, as well as the adverse effects of climate change.

Despite the government’s efforts to address the crisis, food insecurity remains a significant challenge, and the need for comprehensive and fair aid distribution is more urgent than ever.

Meanwhile controversial Zimbabwean businessman and tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo created a spectacle in Victoria Falls by handing out US$100 bills to traditional dancers and airport staff during the festive season. Known for his wealth and controversial ties to government contracts, Chivayo was seen giving the money as part of his visit to the country’s prime tourism hub. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Chivayo, accompanied by his new girlfriend Lulu Mateke, ensured traditional performers who greeted visitors at the Victoria Falls International Airport each received a US$100 note. He also handed out the same amount to airport staff, leaving many astonished by his lavish display of wealth.

Chivayo, often associated with high-profile government tenders, was seen distributing US$100 notes to traditional dancers at the Victoria Falls International Airport. These performers, who typically entertain visitors at Zimbabwe’s top tourist destination, expressed delight at the unexpected windfall.

The NewsHawks reported: “Traditional dancers who usually perform at the arrivals of the world-famous Victoria Falls International Airport and around town received US$100 each from tenderpreneur Chivayo.”

Chivayo’s generosity extended to airport workers, who were among the recipients of US$100 notes. The staff, easily identifiable in their bright yellow bibs, were thrilled as Chivayo handed them US$100 bills in an orderly manner. One fortunate onlooker also received a US$100 note. However, when another woman and her child rushed towards Chivayo, hoping to receive cash, they were turned away. The businessman made it clear that the money was not for everyone. “The cash is for airport workers only,” Chivayo told the disappointed woman and her teenage child.

Chivayo’s actions sparked debate on social media, with some praising his generosity and others questioning its source and impact.

Twitter user @GoldAyanda commented:

“Guys, live your life, make your money, and I’m sure everyone will want to tell you how to spend it, but they never tell you how to make it.”
Others were more critical. Lashias Ncube (@lashiasn) expressed concern over the social implications:

“Watching random grown men and women stampede to Wicknell for cash handouts is quite discomforting. These acts of ‘generosity’ have divested people of their dignity.”
The criticism extended to Zimbabwe’s broader economic challenges, with @darkweb12345 lamenting:

“If all people were getting paid in a normal economy, no one would run like a beggar and lose their dignity over $100. Nyika ngaigadzirwe mafunny aiite mashoma.”
A Controversial Figure
Chivayo, no stranger to the spotlight, remains a polarising figure in Zimbabwe. His wealth has been linked to government tenders, including the contentious $100 million Zimbabwe Electoral Commission scandal. Despite these controversies, he continues to garner attention for his lavish displays and philanthropic gestures. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production.
His divorce from Sonja Madzikanda and his recent appearances with girlfriend Lulu Mateke have only added to his headline-grabbing antics.

As the festive season continues, Chivayo’s actions in Victoria Falls have sparked heated debates.

What do you think of Chivayo’s gesture? Was it an act of generosity or a display of wealth?

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