Tinotenda Hove- Controversial Zanu PF-linked businessman Wicknell Chivayo has announced the purchase of a brand-new Rolls-Royce Cullinan facelift for Zion Christian Church (ZCC) leader Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi, describing the luxury vehicle as his birthday gift to the prominent cleric.

Chivayo made the announcement on Wednesday while celebrating Bishop Mutendi’s birthday, saying the vehicle had finally arrived and would be handed over to the church leader.

“Against this celebratory background, I am extremely delighted to confirm that your 2026 brand-spanking-new Rolls-Royce Cullinan facelift has finally arrived,” Chivayo said.

The businessman also claimed that the luxury vehicle would come with US$250,000 in cash, which he described as “petty cash for fuel and personal use.”

“With the greatest honour your magnificent vehicle will be handed over to you by the Principal, together with US$250,000 petty cash for fuel and personal use,” he said.

Chivayo portrayed the extravagant gift as an expression of appreciation for Bishop Mutendi’s decades of religious leadership and service to ZCC members.

“This is simply my small way of saying thank you for the years you have devoted to the work of God and for continuing to shepherd His people with wisdom and dedication,” he said.

He praised Mutendi as a spiritual leader whose influence had extended across generations, describing his leadership as being marked by “wisdom, humility and dignity.”

According to Chivayo, the birthday gift was not intended to equate material wealth with religious service, although the scale of the present highlights the increasingly visible relationship between wealthy business figures and influential religious leaders.

“No material gift can ever equal a lifetime spent serving God, but we must always find ways of appreciating those who have remained faithful to their calling,” Chivayo said.
The businessman further urged Bishop Mutendi to continue praying for Zimbabwe, its leadership, families and children, saying the country needed strong spiritual leaders.
“Our country needs strong spiritual leaders who continuously remind us that regardless of our achievements, positions or material possessions, God must always come first,” he said.

Chivayo’s announcement comes amid continued public attention around his high-value donations and lavish gifts to prominent figures and institutions. His public displays of wealth have frequently attracted debate over the source of his wealth and the close links between business, politics, philanthropy and influential institutions in Zimbabwe.

For Bishop Mutendi, however, Chivayo framed the Rolls-Royce as a personal gesture of gratitude and celebration.
“Happy birthday to you Bishop… enjoy your well deserved present,” Chivayo said.