Chivayo dismisses President Mnangagwa–VP Chiwenga rift claims, says leaders are ‘like family.’

Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has dismissed claims of divisions within the country’s leadership, insisting that President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga share a close personal and working relationship. Speaking during an interview on Capitalk 100.4FM on May 5, 2026, Chivayo described reports of infighting as “outright lies,” saying the two leaders are bound by loyalty, respect, and what he characterised as family ties.

Chivayo used vivid imagery to describe the relationship between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga.

“If Vice President Chiwenga walks in and the President is drinking tea, they will share the same cup,” he said. “They love each other. They are one family. What people are saying on the internet is not real.”

He added in Shona,

“VaChiwenga ndibaba vedu… VaMnangagwa is also our father,” framing both leaders as paternal figures.

Political analyst Eldred Masunungure said such statements reflect attempts to counter persistent speculation.

“Public messaging around unity is often used to stabilise perceptions, particularly when there are recurring rumours of factionalism,” he noted.

Chivayo also recounted how he supported Vice President Chiwenga during his wedding preparations, describing the gesture as both personal and symbolic. He said he was approached by officials requesting luxury vehicles, including Rolls-Royce and Maybach models, for the ceremony.

“They said they had a budget and would pay, but I told them the Vice President is my father he would not pay anything,” Chivayo said.

According to Chivayo, he provided a fleet of about six vehicles and made them available days before the event to allow for security checks and driver familiarisation.

“I gave them all the cars… I was left with just one pick-up,” he said.

He added that he also gave a cash gift of US$50,000 during the wedding celebrations.

Chivayo further described an encounter at State House, which he said demonstrated the level of protocol and respect between the two leaders.

“One time, I was in President Mnangagwa’s office, and the secretary announced that Vice President Chiwenga was there. I was told to leave immediately,” he said. “There was no way the Vice President would remain outside while I was inside. I was chased out of the office.”

He said the meeting he had brought was postponed, reinforcing his view that the leadership operates with mutual respect.

While Chivayo insists there is no rift, political observers say speculation about divisions within the ruling ZANU PF has circulated widely on social media. Analyst Ibbo Mandaza said such narratives are not uncommon.

“In many political systems, perceptions of factionalism can emerge even when there is no formal split. What matters is how leadership responds publicly,” he said.

Chivayo maintained that his personal experiences contradict claims of discord at the top.

“What people see on the internet is not the reality. They are very close. They are one family,” he said.

His remarks come at a time when online debate around Zimbabwe’s political dynamics remains active, with government officials and allies increasingly pushing back against claims of internal divisions.

Wicknell Chivayo interview