Chivayo, Coltart Clash Over ZITF Appearance With Mnangagwa and Botswana President

BULAWAYO – Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has hit back at Bulawayo mayor David Coltart following criticism over his presence alongside President Emmerson Mnangagwa and visiting Botswana leader Duma Boko during last week’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair. The exchange has sparked debate over business-government relations, political optics, and governance in Zimbabwe.

Coltart, a councillor aligned with the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), described Chivayo’s inclusion in the presidential entourage as “unedifying” in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

He questioned why Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, both present at ZITF, were not the ones accompanying the two heads of state.

“Mr Chivayo holds no public office, runs no discernible business employing great numbers of people, and has not demonstrated any particular ingenuity or innovation,” Coltart wrote.

He added that Chivayo’s display of wealth, “the source of which remains a mystery to most Zimbabweans,” had angered citizens facing economic hardship.

In a strongly worded response, Chivayo dismissed the criticism as “nauseating and mischievous,” turning his focus to service delivery challenges in Bulawayo.

“I then understood why the opposition-run Bulawayo City Council has dismally failed to provide the most basic services such as clean water for its own long-suffering residents,” he said.

Chivayo defended his presence at the trade fair, stating it was entirely within the President’s discretion to include individuals based on their contribution.

“I am a businessman and philanthropist with vast interests across Africa… there is absolutely nothing amiss… for the two presidents to be accompanied by a businessman at a business trade fair,” he said.

Chivayo also provided insight into how high-level delegations operate at ZITF, saying the presidium typically splits into multiple groups to maximise coverage of exhibition stands.

“The president tours certain stands accompanied by ministers, businessmen, foreign delegates, and other dignitaries,” he explained. “The First Lady and the two vice presidents each separately tour their own designated exhibition stands.”

The exchange reflects broader tensions between government-aligned figures and opposition leaders, particularly around transparency, wealth, and governance. Chivayo accused Coltart of making “purely racist sensational claims,” while also describing ZITF 2026 as “a resounding success,” showcasing Zimbabwe as open for business.

Chivayo’s proximity to the presidency has long drawn public scrutiny. He has been linked to several high-value government contracts and is known for philanthropic gestures, including donating ambulances to public health institutions. However, questions around the origins of his wealth and the scale of his business operations persist in public discourse.

The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair remains one of the country’s premier business events, attracting regional and international leaders, investors, and exhibitors. This year’s edition, attended by President Boko, was seen as part of broader efforts to strengthen regional economic ties and promote investment opportunities.

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