Wicknell Chivayo, a controversial Zimbabwean businessman, has emerged as a shadowy figure in African political circles, often likened to the fictional Dembe Zuma from The Blacklist for his proximity to power under Raymond Reddington.
Known for his lavish displays of wealth and high-profile connections, Chivayo’s influence raises questions about his role as a political fixer for some of Africa’s most polarising leaders. Is he merely a flamboyant entrepreneur or a calculated operative running errands for presidents?
Born in 1982, Chivayo first gained notoriety as a tenderpreneur, securing lucrative government contracts in Zimbabwe. His company, Intratrek Zimbabwe, was linked to a $200 million solar project that collapsed amid allegations of fraud.
Despite a 2004 fraud conviction, Chivayo’s influence grew, particularly under President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Critics allege he serves as a financial front, channelling funds from questionable deals to politically connected elites.
Leaked documents in 2025 tied him to a $20 million scandal involving Zimbabwe’s 2023 election tenders, with funds allegedly funnelled through South African banks.
Chivayo’s reach extends beyond Zimbabwe. In 2025, he met leaders like Kenya’s William Ruto, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan, Malawi’s Lazarus Chakwera and Mozambique’s Daniel Chapo, sparking speculation about his regional ambitions.
Netizens describe him as a “money laundering expert” and “corruption master”, yet he styles himself as a philanthropist, gifting luxury cars and cash to Zanu-PF loyalists and Zimbabwean celebrities.
His $3 million donation of vehicles to Zanu-PF officials in September 2025, framed as a tribute to Mnangagwa’s birthday, drew both praise and scrutiny.
Like Dembe Zuma, the loyal confidant in The Blacklist, Chivayo’s proximity to power fuels his mystique. He boasts of walking Mnangagwa to his plane, calling himself a “core member” of the president’s circle.
Yet, his generosity, such as gifting a 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser and $100,000 to journalist Rueben Barwe, raises questions about his wealth’s origins. Critics, including Zimbabwe’s Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, have labelled him a “chigananda”, a looter of state resources.
South African authorities are now probing Chivayo for a $42 million corruption scandal, with evidence suggesting ties to Mnangagwa’s inner circle.
As investigations deepen, Chivayo’s role as a shadowy figure, whether a loyal operative or opportunistic dealmaker, remains under intense scrutiny. His story blurs the lines between philanthropy, politics, and profiteering, leaving Africa to ponder: who is the real Wicknell Chivayo?