Chiwenga puts Chigananda Chivayo on warning

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Discontent is simmering within the ruling Zanu-PF party and state actors over the antics of politically well-connected tenderpreneurs accused of amassing wealth through dubious public contracts and flaunting their riches with reckless abandon.

Among the most controversial figures is businessman Wicknell Chivayo, a prominent ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Chivayo has reportedly secured lucrative multi-million-dollar government contracts, including the controversial US$100 million Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) tender.

Since landing the ZEC deal and other contracts, Chivayo has drawn widespread criticism for his extravagant lifestyle, splurging money, donating cars, and handing out cash like “confetti at a wedding.” His ostentatious behavior and public displays of wealth have made him a lightning rod for anger among those accusing him of exploiting state resources for personal gain.

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has taken a firm stance against individuals like Chivayo, describing them as zvigananda – a term he has used to refer to those of “questionable morals” who flaunt their “ill-gotten wealth.”

Addressing mourners at the National Heroes Acre last week, Chiwenga criticized such individuals, warning that their behavior contradicts the principles of the liberation struggle, which emphasized equitable resource distribution.

“Zimbabwe belongs to all of us. We must share its God-given resources equally, ensuring that no one is marginalized or pushed aside in a ruthless pursuit of undeserved privileges. Corruption must end,” Chiwenga declared.

A close ally of Chiwenga revealed to The NewsHawks that the Vice President has vowed to tackle corrupt tenderpreneurs with “Chinese-like resolve and ruthlessness.”

“The Vice President is against such people and has vowed to deal with them decisively. They may think they are untouchable under President Mnangagwa’s wings and believe they can buy the next leader with thirty pieces of silver, but that will be self-delusion,” the source said. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Chiwenga’s remarks come amid growing factional tensions within Zanu-PF, where divisions between loyalists of Mnangagwa and Chiwenga are becoming increasingly visible. Critics within the party accuse Mnangagwa of enabling tenderpreneurs like Chivayo by granting them preferential access to public contracts.

Chivayo’s involvement in the ZEC tender has particularly drawn scrutiny, with allegations of corruption and mismanagement further fueling discontent. His lavish spending and public donations are seen by some as a provocative display of impunity.

Political observers say Chiwenga’s warning could signal the beginning of a broader crackdown on corruption within Zanu-PF and state institutions. However, the outcome of this power struggle remains uncertain, given Chivayo’s close ties to the President and other influential figures.

The growing agitation against tenderpreneurs reflects deep-seated frustrations over corruption and inequality, which continue to erode public confidence in government accountability.

As Zimbabwe grapples with economic challenges, Chiwenga’s call for an end to corruption and the equitable distribution of resources resonates with many – but whether the Vice President can turn his words into action remains to be seen.