Ramaphosa distances himself from businessman Chivayo after meeting in Zimbabwe
via NewsDay Zimbabwe6 min read
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent visit to Zimbabwe has drawn scrutiny after controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, along with Paul Tungwarara and Kudakwashe Tagwirei, attended a high-level meeting at President Emmerson Mnangagwa's Precabe Farm. Chivayo, a convicted fraudster, circulated images of the meeting on social media, leading to public criticism. Notably absent from the meeting were senior Zimbabwean government officials, including Vice-Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi. War veteran Knox Chivero wrote to Ramaphosa, warning about Chivayo's alleged criminal links and claiming he is under investigation by South Africa's Financial Intelligence Centre for an alleged R1.1 billion fraud, with reports of the Hawks probing suspicious financial flows. Investigations suggest Zimbabwe's Treasury paid over R1.1 billion to a South African company for election materials, with more than R800 million allegedly directed to Chivayo's companies, raising anti-money laundering concerns. Chivayo's brother, Joachim, is reportedly wanted in South Africa for a gold smuggling case, and a South African court recently froze Chivayo's bank accounts and assets. The South African presidency acknowledged reports involving a "person of interest" to law enforcement without naming Chivayo. Vice-President Chiwenga has criticized business figures close to Mnangagwa, calling them "zvigananda" who siphon national wealth and warning the ruling party against accepting money
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
Must ReadZimbabwe aims to achieve US$1.56 billion in tourism revenue by 2026. The country is also seeking to boost its climate recovery efforts with a US$25 million initiative and is exploring membership in the AIIB for infrastructure funding, particularly in the energy sector. Additionally, Zimbabwe is looking to expand rabbit exports to African markets and is working on digitizing the Deeds Office to accelerate property transactions. Political tensions are noted, with concerns about Zanu PF's influence and a potential referendum. The ADF has urged South Africa to cease support for Zanu PF.
Must ReadZimbabwe is targeting a tourism revenue of US$1.56 billion by 2026. Other news includes political developments such as a Supreme Court declaration regarding a divorce consent dispute, discussions around the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill No. 3 2026, and alleged financial power usage by Zanu PF to advance a one-party state agenda. Economic initiatives include an ambassador backing a rabbit export drive to African markets, a US$25 million climate recovery boost, and efforts by Ncube to secure infrastructure funding from AIIB. Social issues like political tensions leading to violence and forced evictions are also reported. Additionally, there are calls for Zimbabweans in South Africa to take precautions due to xenophobia, and an urge for South Africa to cease support for Zanu PF.
BreakingZimbabwe is experiencing political tensions, including violent attacks and forced evictions at grasslands plots, and concerns about a potential Zanu PF ambush towards a referendum. Economically, the country is positioning mining as a key driver for growth and foreign currency, with a US$650 million investment vision reinforcing confidence in long-term potential. However, mining chiefs warn that cost burdens are driving away capital. The nation is also setting wheels in motion for a US$25 million climate recovery boost and seeking a coordinated push to unlock air cargo growth. Other developments include the arrest in Zimbabwe of a suspect linked to the murder of Kruger tourists, and the election of Benza as Zanu PF Manicaland vice chairman. The Deeds Office digitization is speeding up property transactions, and Hwange schools have received bicycles and textbooks in an education access drive.