In a recent social media post, Wicknell Chivayo, a controversial figure in Zimbabwe, proudly unveiled his new fleet of six luxurious vehicles worth a staggering $3.5 million. Chivayo attributed his success and the acquisition of these cars to his unwavering faith in God, claiming to have prayed for over three years for this abundance. While expressing his love for cars, he also offered a heartfelt apology for any offense caused by his ostentatious display of wealth.
Sharing his excitement, Chivayo wrote, “My cars look SO FLY you wouldn’t want to park next to me… Please don’t be offended; I’m a very humble guy who just loves cars.” He listed his newly acquired vehicles, including the Rolls Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Cullinan, Rolls Royce Ghost, 2022 Mercedes Benz S500 4MATIC, 2023 Range Rover Autobiography D350 SV, and 2023 Mercedes Benz Maybach GLS600.
Emphasizing the significance of his achievement, Chivayo acknowledged the dreams he had nurtured for years. “I must apologize, and I meant no disrespect to anyone by buying so many cars at once, but these are just cars I’ve always dreamt of and wanted so badly,” he explained. Furthermore, he shared that his prayers had been fervent, having spent three years diligently seeking divine intervention. According to Chivayo, his faith led to this realization, and he expressed his gratitude to God for answering his prayers.
Chivayo’s social media post provides a glimpse into his personal life, revealing his passion for luxury cars and his deep-rooted faith. However, this display of opulence has drawn criticism from some quarters, considering the economic challenges faced by many Zimbabweans. Chivayo’s involvement in the stalled multi-million dollar 100MW Gwanda Solar Project, which has been marred by controversy since 2015, has contributed to public discontentment. Concerns have been raised regarding the alleged misappropriation of public funds meant for the solar project.
Adding to the public’s dissatisfaction, Chivayo has a history as an ex-convict and has been embroiled in a protracted legal battle with the government over his company, Intratek, which was contracted for the Gwanda Solar Project. He attributes the project’s failure to the nine-year-long court dispute that ensued after power utility ZESA attempted to terminate the contract.
It is worth noting that Zimbabwe is currently grappling with a severe power shortage, caused by factors such as ageing power generation equipment, corruption, and erratic rainfall. This backdrop has further intensified public scrutiny of Chivayo’s wealth display and his involvement in unfinished projects, exacerbating the economic challenges faced by the nation.
The public’s contrasting views on Chivayo’s recent acquisition of luxury vehicles underscore the wider socio-economic disparities within Zimbabwe. While some admire his success as a testament to perseverance and faith, others view it as an insensitive gesture in a country grappling with economic hardships. As the nation continues to face pressing issues, including power shortages and economic instability, it remains essential to address the root causes of these challenges and ensure equitable opportunities for all Zimbabweans.
