For Wicknell Chivayo, money seems to grow on trees.
Chivayo was never shy about ostentatiously displaying his wealth, liked to call himself Sir Wicknell, and had recently been on a relentless spending spree, splurging on the latest high-value luxury cars.
But it’s his latest campaign to spend a fortune on “strangers” that has broken the internet.
Over the years, we have witnessed brilliant businessmen with a penchant for flaunting their wealth – talk about the genius “Ginimbi” Kadungure (may he rest in peace), Philip “Boss Fedza” Chiangwa and Passion Java – but Sir Wicknell seems to have made up his mind. The game is taken to a whole new level.
He raised the stakes a few days ago when Jah Prayzah purchased a brand new S500 Mercedes-Benz said to be worth $180,000 USD.
Just a week later, while the public was still digesting the extraordinary gesture, he struck again – this time, as Suluman Chimbetu bought a brand-new 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 300 with an estimated market value of US$140,000.
While many people were trying to process what was happening, on Friday, the businessman splashed out another $155,000 on a Mercedes-Benz GLE400d for musician Sandra Ndebele.
Initially, the court of public opinion dismissed these gestures as acts of propaganda.
However, the man did not seem to move.
But the sheer amount of money Wicknell bizarrely spent to bless his chosen beneficiaries is simply astounding.
Sometime last year, musician President Hoyingi (born Admire Sibanda) gifted US$50,000 to buy a house.
He previously gifted the same musician a brand new Toyota Hilux GD6.
Master of Ceremonies and Ndarama Secondary School teacher David Masumire, or DJ Masumire, also received a new car worth US$65,000, as well as a house worth US$60,000.
Chifayo surprised many when he took to social media to announce his gift to DJ Masomere.
“Congratulations bro. Brand spanking and smelly new Toyota Hilux D4D Double Cab 2,4 Diesel worth US$65,000..,” reads part of Chifayo’s post.
On January 7, he took to Instagram to announce that he had “spoilt” fellow Apostolic Church member Johan Masui with 50 Toyota Aquas.
He wrote: “Abraham divided the gifts of the believers.” . . He did 50 Aquas for $7,500. This means I have blessed 50 members of the church. “I know I started the year well.”
Last year, Sabhuku Vharazipi, along with ZIYA Cultural Arts Fund co-chair and Mbuya May John, received a whopping US$10,000 each.
The list of Sir Wicknell’s charitable works is simply endless.
It includes a brand new Toyota Hilux Single Cab worth US$100,000 which he donated to the Sacred Heart Society of the Roman Catholic Church in Harare.
The donation also included a home solar system and $100,000 in cash.
Again, writing on social media, he said the gift was his own way of thanking the association for supporting his family during his mother’s death.
Chivayo also bought his church leader Lawrence Katsiro and his wife a 2023 Toyota Hilux and a Fortuner V8.
The 41-year-old also owns an impressive collection of expensive cars.
In 2023, he reportedly spent $1.9 million on cars alone in a week.
In just one month, he bought four brand new Rolls Royce cars, a Mercedes-Benz Maybach and a Range Rover.
Customs duties on vehicles were estimated at approximately 1.5 million US dollars.
He reportedly owns a $450,000 Range Rover, a $850,000 Rolls Royce Cullinan, and a $400,000 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS600, among other expensive toys.
At one point, it was rumored that he had bought a private plane.
Overall, the Sunday Mail Society believes he could have spent nearly $5 million during his last spending spree.
At one point, it was rumored that he had bought a private plane
Naturally, Chivayo’s antics attract an odd number of lucky people who try their luck at tempting him into blessing them with an expensive gift.
Recently, former Star FM presenter, DJ Ollah 7, publicly trolled for a top-of-the-range car from Sir Wicknell through a social media post.
However, he was forced to eat humble pie after he was mocked by netizens (netizens) for his embarrassing “lack of self-esteem”.
“Zvakuma, do you know how many cars I have? Do you know my relationship with Wicknell?
“I don’t know him on social media. “It was supposed to be a joke and you missed the humor in it,” DJ Ollah 7 replied.
But the audience had to at least understand the aspiring DJ, whose old car was recently involved in a freak accident in the capital.
Talented but forgotten rapper Masqueri – real name Alicia Musimbi – finds himself in the mix.
He tried to attract Sir Wicknell’s attention by publicly presenting him with a rare breed of goat and a breeding guide.
For someone having a bad day, scrolling through some social media comments may be just what the doctor ordered.
Some engaging posts are sure to leave one in stitches.
Kelvin Manyo wrote: “Fathers, Sir Wicknell, where do you work?” I brought three swords and sang
Great Hosanna, let us pray, let us sing the mercy of God, Father, who wants to save us. But I have nothing to go back to now, but I have the licence.”
Could Chifayo be one of the richest men in the country?
“I know it’s almost my turn to buy a car, but please sir, can I have ori mosvu (cash); GD6 inozondiremera maintenance,” Melody Kurihwa commented.
He wasn’t supposed to outshine Costa J.
He posted: “What’s the matter, old man, how are you going?” “I always came, but I was never there, Sir Wicknell.”
But could Chivayo be one of the richest men in the country?
Based on his posts, the man has been on a “gifting” campaign, which has seen him spend nearly $5 million on “strangers” from January 2023 to date.
Sir Wicknell seems to have mastered the art of giving while maintaining the mystery of his private family life.
Ever present on social media, Chivayo, through online posts in which he will display cash or jewellery, or make donations/payments, captivates the nation.
Posts are regular sources of discussion and controversy.
Donations, delivered publicly, appear to be increasing on a regular basis.
However, Chivayo appears to have been in the more aggressive charitable donation lane last week, handing out expensive cars to musicians Jah Prayzah, Solo, Pa Troy and Sandra Ndebele.
Naturally, his actions attracted the attention of people who wanted to know more about his background and family.
“I have no problem with what he is doing. However, I hope that all his relatives are well taken care of, otherwise all of this will be for nothing. Come to think of it, does he have brothers?” Mai Banashi inquired.
But ironically, Chivayo’s personal life, far from what he wants the public to see, appears to be a closely guarded secret.
He has often refused to take questions from reporters during press conferences.
This increases speculation about his life and works. But like it or not, he is an interesting character and has mastered the art of attracting attention.
Chivayo’s well-known company, Intratrek Zimbabwe, is best known for its yet-to-be-completed Gwanda solar project.
There are no other business ventures owned by the entrepreneur in the public domain.
The late genius “Ginimbi” Kadungure, who also had a penchant for acquiring expensive cars, was known to be the owner of a thriving gas company and the trendy Dreams Night Club.
Ginimbi was known for pampering himself with the finer things in life, but he did not buy cars for “strangers,” unless he did so in private.
However, the late social star periodically spoiled his friends and fans with expensive whiskey and champagne.
This is also the case with Chianghua, who also lives a prosperous lifestyle and has well-known businesses.
Chivayo’s well-known company, Intratrek Zimbabwe, is known for its unfinished Gwanda solar project.
However, the Intratrek Zimbabwe website describes Chivayo as “an accomplished businessman with over 10 years of experience spanning the transportation and logistics, agriculture, oil and energy industries.”
The same website said the company, founded in 1994, is “a leading player in Zimbabwe’s energy sector and has the capacity and partnerships to implement national or regional energy projects across the entire sector from thermal and hydro to solar energy.”
Interestingly, according to the website, the company has interests in the aviation sector.
But Chivayo is known to deal with the rich, powerful and famous.
Four years ago, he posted a photo standing next to then-Zambian President Edgar Lungu, writing in part: “As the regional coordinator of a multi-billion dollar conglomerate, I will tirelessly pursue my passion for generating more renewable energy.” For Africa. In this beautiful neighboring country, we have implemented and completed 26 fully funded turnkey EPC projects. . . I am a businessman with an international reputation and always remember that I am not an extraordinarily intelligent person with extraordinary talents. I’m just an ordinary person who makes a daily list of crucial tasks that need to get done and gets done. . “.
For now, Chivayo’s show is still on. Sunday mail
