BULAWAYO / HARARE – A sharp public exchange has erupted between Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart and businessman Wicknell Chivayo over the presence of private individuals in high-level presidential engagements at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), reigniting debate on governance, optics, and influence.
By Advent Shoko
Coltart Questions ZITF “Spectacle”
Coltart triggered the debate after reacting to an image showing President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Botswana President Duma Boko, with Chivayo seen accompanying them during the trade fair.
He wrote:
“The spectacle of Wicknell Chivayo accompanying Presidents Boko and Mnangagwa at ZITF on Thursday was unedifying and sullied respect for these two offices.”
He questioned why senior state officials were not in that role, adding:
“Both Vice Presidents Chiwenga and Mohadi were present at ZITF and it is inexplicable why they did not accompany both Presidents rather than Mr Chivayo.”
Coltart also raised concerns about Chivayo’s public profile and wealth:
“Mr Chivayo holds no public office, runs no discernible business employing great numbers of people & has not demonstrated any particular ingenuity or innovation.”
He further added:
“The manner he flaunts his wealth (the source of which remains a mystery to most Zimbabweans) has deeply angered millions of Zimbabweans who are struggling to pay school fees or obtain basic medical care.”
Concluding his remarks, he said:
“We can do so much better #Zimbabwe in marketing ourselves and our Nation.”
Chivayo Strikes Back
Chivayo responded with a lengthy and forceful rebuttal, defending his presence at ZITF and accusing Coltart of political bitterness and poor governance performance.
He opened with:
“BITTERNESS OVERSHADOWS BUSINESS…”
Chivayo argued that the mayor misunderstood the purpose of the trade fair:
“Ordinarily, when a Mayor of the SECOND LARGEST City in Zimbabwe that hosts the ZITF speaks on matters related to the trade fair, one would reasonably assume that he possesses FULL KNOWLEDGE of its purpose…”
He dismissed Coltart’s criticism as “mischievous,” adding:
“Regrettably, when I read Mayor Coltart’s NAUSEATING and MISCHIEVOUS post, I then understood why the opposition-run Bulawayo City Council has DISMALLY FAILED to provide the most BASIC services such as clean water.”
Defending his role at the event, Chivayo insisted his presence was legitimate:
“I am a BUSINESSMAN and PHILANTHROPIST… and there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING amiss, inexplicable or even DISRESPECTFUL for the 2 Presidents to be accompanied by a BUSINESSMAN at a BUSINESS trade fair!”
He also explained how ZITF delegations operate:
“At such events, the Presidium CUSTOMARILY and DELIBERATELY splits into MULTIPLE GROUPS to ensure that as many exhibition stands as possible are toured.”
Chivayo further defended his broader economic role:
“As a successful businessman of INTERNATIONAL REPUTE, my presence should NEVER lead one to assume anything UNUSUAL.”
He added:
“Our role as BUSINESSMEN is to SUPPORT the socioeconomic development of our Nation… towards achieving the UPPER MIDDLE INCOME ECONOMY status by 2030.”
Chivayo ended with a political swipe:
“Do NOT confuse your BITTERNESS with BUSINESS Your Worship.”
The exchange exposes deeper tensions around governance optics, political influence, and private-sector participation in state events. It also comes against the backdrop of Wicknell Chivayo’s growing visibility alongside President Emmerson Mnangagwa, including during visits to local churches where large-scale donations, in some cases reaching up to US$1 million, have been made.
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