By Victor Fanuel
BULAWAYO — Controversial business mogul Wicknell Chivayo has sharply responded to Bulawayo mayor David Coltart after the opposition politician criticised his appearance alongside President Emmerson Mnangagwa and visiting Botswana President Duma Boko during a tour of exhibition stands at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo last week.
Coltart, a Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), councillor, described the scene as “unedifying” in a post on X, questioning why Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, who were also present at the fair, were not seen accompanying the two heads of state.
He further questioned Chivayo’s presence, writing:”Mr Chivayo holds no public office, runs no discernible business employing great numbers of people and has not demonstrated any particular ingenuity or innovation.”
Coltart added that Chivayo’s public display of wealth, “the source of which remains a mystery to most Zimbabweans”, was deeply upsetting to citizens facing economic hardship, and said his presence alongside the presidents was “unfortunate to say the least.”
In a lengthy response posted on X, Chivayo dismissed the remarks as “nauseating and mischievous”, while turning his criticism on Bulawayo’s local governance under opposition leadership.
“I then understood why the opposition-run Bulawayo City Council has dismally failed to provide the most basic services such as clean water for its own long-suffering residents,” he said.
Chivayo insisted there was nothing improper about his presence at the event, arguing it was “entirely His Excellency’s decision and prerogative” to include individuals based on their “value and contribution.”
“I am a businessman and philanthropist with vast interests in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and across the African continent, and there is absolutely nothing amiss, inexplicable or even disrespectful for the two presidents to be accompanied by a businessman at a business trade fair,” he said.
He also offered an explanation for the absence of vice presidents alongside the presidents, saying official duties are typically divided at major events.
“The president tours certain stands accompanied by ministers, businessmen, foreign delegates and other dignitaries. The first lady separately tours exhibitions aligned to her own areas of interest and passion while the two vice presidents each separately tour their own designated exhibition stands,” he wrote.
Chivayo further accused Coltart of making “purely racist sensational claims typical of the opposition” and insisted ZITF 2026 had been a success, calling it “a declaration to the world that Zimbabwe is open for business.”
“Do not confuse your bitterness with business, Your Worship,” he added.
Chivayo’s proximity to the presidency has long drawn public scrutiny.
He has benefited from several high-value government contracts and is known for high-profile donations, including the gifting of ambulances to public hospitals.
However, questions have persisted over the origins of his wealth and the nature of his business dealings.
