Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, infamous for his extravagant lifestyle and close ties to political power, has once again ignited public outrage—this time for splashing more than US$400,000 on a luxury Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV. The lavish purchase comes just days after he was allegedly linked to a controversial US$400 million cancer treatment equipment supply deal, which critics say has been shrouded in secrecy and lacks transparency.
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan, named after the world’s largest rough-cut diamond, is one of the most elite sport utility vehicles globally. Retailing between US$407,750 and US$472,750, it far outpaces rivals such as the Bentley Bentayga and Mercedes-Maybach GLS in both price and exclusivity. With a twin-turbocharged V12 engine boasting up to 592 horsepower, the Cullinan is celebrated not only for its sheer power but also for its hand-crafted luxury interior, elevating it to a status symbol reserved for the world’s ultra-wealthy.
Chivayo, who has become notorious for showcasing his wealth on social media, wasted no time flaunting the new vehicle. Images and videos of him posing next to the Rolls-Royce quickly made the rounds online, fueling both admiration and resentment in equal measure. For some, the car represents ambition and success. For many others, it epitomizes the growing divide between Zimbabwe’s political elites and its struggling citizens.
Currently vacationing in Paris, Chivayo is reportedly staying at the extravagant Four Seasons Hotel George V, where room rates range from US$2,000 to over US$3,600 per night. His European escapade has included trips via private jet—another costly display he frequently shares with his followers online.
Wicknell Chivayo Under Fire After Flaunting US$400K Rolls-Royce Amid Cancer Deal Controversy
The timing of Chivayo’s high-profile purchase has raised eyebrows, coming hot on the heels of reports linking him to a murky US$400 million cancer treatment equipment deal allegedly greenlit by the Zimbabwean government. While official channels have remained tight-lipped, critics argue the contract was awarded without following formal tender processes. President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recent visits to local hospitals reportedly coincide with the deal, raising further suspicions.
Though Chivayo has denied any wrongdoing, the perception that he may be benefiting from politically connected contracts has been difficult to shake. His social media boasts and ever-expanding fleet of luxury cars have only intensified scrutiny over his true sources of wealth.
Chivayo, a convicted fraudster turned high-rolling mogul, has never made a secret of how he navigates Zimbabwe’s business world. In past interviews, he has openly credited his success to building relationships with key political figures and aligning himself with the ruling ZANU PF party.
This strategy, while effective in securing lucrative state-linked contracts, has also drawn criticism for undermining meritocracy and fostering systemic corruption. With no visible large-scale business enterprise to his name, Chivayo’s ability to access vast sums of foreign currency continues to spark public suspicion.
Chivayo’s latest splurge comes as millions of Zimbabweans face deepening economic hardship. From soaring inflation and rising unemployment to crumbling health infrastructure, the contrast between the average citizen’s experience and the opulence enjoyed by the politically connected has never been more stark.
Health experts and civil society groups have pointed out the irony that, while public hospitals lack basic equipment and patients struggle to access cancer treatment, individuals allegedly tied to health procurement contracts are living lives of unrestrained luxury.
For many Zimbabweans, the image of Chivayo posing beside a US$400,000 vehicle—possibly funded through public resources—has become a powerful symbol of the inequalities plaguing the country. Calls are mounting for greater transparency in government contracts, particularly those involving critical public services like healthcare.
As social media buzzes with debate over Chivayo’s wealth and influence, calls for accountability are growing louder. Opposition figures, activists, and concerned citizens are demanding investigations into how certain individuals are consistently awarded multimillion-dollar deals despite lacking track records of delivery.
Meanwhile, Chivayo remains defiant. “Let the haters talk,” he reportedly posted in response to criticism, doubling down on his narrative of divine blessing and hard-earned success.
Still, for a nation weary of scandals and broken promises, the question remains: Is Chivayo’s latest acquisition just another example of individual prosperity—or a glaring symptom of a broader system that rewards proximity to power over transparency and fairness?
In the absence of meaningful reforms and oversight, the controversy surrounding Wicknell Chivayo’s Rolls-Royce may fade from headlines—but the deeper issues it represents are unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
