President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recent public appearance with controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo appears to have sparked controversy within the ranks of the ruling Zanu PF party.
Sources within ZANU, speaking on condition of anonymity, told NewsDay that Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi are unhappy with Mnangagwa’s association with Chivayo.
They said Mnangagwa’s recent public appearance with the ex-convict had raised eyebrows within the government and party leadership.
“The vice presidents are wondering what’s really going on. In fact, they were shocked. The worst part is that President Mnangagwa does not tell anyone what he intends to do.
“It’s just between him and that boy [Chivayo]. Do not be surprised to learn that he is now a minister. There are some services that are offered to Chivayo.
“Let us wait and see, but as I said, Chifayo will soon be given a senior position within the party,” the sources said.
It is alleged that Mnangagwa’s public appearances with Chivayo, including his sharing of a private jet, only served to intensify scrutiny and fuel speculation within Zanu PF circles.
Chifayo, known for his prosperous lifestyle and controversial business dealings, has been seen accompanying Mnangagwa on various occasions.
The two reportedly shared a private jet, raising speculation about the nature of their relationship.
However, Zanu’s CIO, Farai Marabira, yesterday denied the allegations, saying Mnangagwa had an open-door policy for all.
He said Chivayo supported Mnangagwa’s vision and policies that made him successful.
“President Mnangagwa has made Zimbabweans billionaires through his policies. “You look at Chivayo as one of the typical examples. He was successful because of President Mnangagwa’s policies,” Marabira said.
He said Chifayo also supports Mnangagwa’s charitable programmes.
“Chivayo also supports the vision of President Mnangagwa returning to society.
“This shows the beauty of President Mnangagwa’s policies because he encourages youth and young adults to take charge of the economy.
“The president is open to everyone and he is open to anyone in the county. Its doors are open to all Zimbabweans.”
He said Mnangagwa did not prevent anyone from seeing him.
“Anyone who wants to see the president is open to doing so. He is listening, President. If he doesn’t open doors, how can he listen?”
But political analyst Tendai Reuben Mbofana said it was not surprising that Chivayo would split the Zanu National Party.
“Some senior Zanu PF figures fear they will be left on the gravy train,” he said. “The party has never been united, but Chivayo will further divide opinion within the party.”
Another analyst, Rijois Ngwenya, said Chivayo had imposed himself at the highest levels of Zanu’s party.
“There is no doubt about Chifayo’s involvement in Zanu PF. He used his money to be part of the senior leadership and it is clear that there are people who were part of the ruling party before independence and they will certainly feel marginalized and threatened because the young man is now close to Mnangagwa.”
During the Easter weekend, Chifayo reportedly violated Zanu PF and government protocol by receiving Mnangagwa at the ZCC Mbungo shrine before Mohadi.
He went on to donate one million US dollars to the church to fund its national projects.
Chivayo, whose source of wealth remains a mystery, claims to have concluded multi-million dollar deals through his company Intratrek.
He also claims that his lucrative power and energy projects have a presence in South Africa, among other countries.
The ruling party defender has in recent months blessed social media influencers and popular musicians with state-of-the-art vehicles and mobile phones. Newsday
