Tinotenda Hove – Controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo has triggered fresh backlash after issuing a politically charged statement announcing what he described as a major contribution to Zimbabwe’s healthcare system, with critics dismissing the move as a calculated public relations stunt wrapped in partisan rhetoric.

In his statement on Wednesday, Chivayo claimed he had delivered an additional 10 ambulances as part of a broader pledge, declaring, “I am pleased to announce the delivery of an additional 10 STATE-OF-THE-ART ambulances…

This is a HUMBLING contribution in support of the visionary leadership of H.E. President E.D. Mnangagwa.”

However, observers have questioned both the timing and tone of the announcement, accusing him of exploiting public health challenges to advance political agendas aligned with Emmerson Mnangagwa and the government’s Vision 2030 narrative.

Instead of focusing solely on healthcare delivery, Chivayo’s statement veered into a scathing attack on critics, particularly targeting opposition voices. He lashed out, saying, “Contrary to the persistent criticism from certain FAILED opposition politicians, particularly that low-life FEMALE LAWYER… we DELIVER.”

The remarks have been widely condemned as inflammatory and disrespectful, with many arguing they undermine the seriousness of Zimbabwe’s healthcare crisis by reducing it to political point-scoring.

Chivayo further positioned himself and what he termed the “elite business community” as key drivers of national development, stating, “As the elite business community, we fully appreciate that SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT requires CONTINUITY and STABILITY.” He went on to openly endorse Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, claiming it “ensures that key programmes… are COMPLETED by 2030.”

Critics say this admission reinforces concerns that the ambulance donation is less about public service and more about consolidating political influence and supporting controversial constitutional changes.

While Chivayo pledged that the ambulances would be distributed across provincial hospitals and accompanied by 200,000 litres of diesel, skeptics have questioned the transparency and accountability surrounding such donations. Some have raised concerns over whether such high-profile gestures distract from systemic failures in the health sector, including underfunding, staff shortages, and deteriorating infrastructure.

Despite his closing declaration that “A HEALTHY NATION is a WEALTHY NATION !!!”, many Zimbabweans remain unconvinced, arguing that sustainable healthcare reform requires institutional commitment—not headline-grabbing donations tied to political loyalty.

As debate intensifies, Chivayo’s latest announcement appears to have deepened divisions, with critics warning that blending philanthropy with partisan attacks risks eroding public trust rather than building it.