Zimpapers Orders Staff To Reject Wicknell Chivayo Gifts Over Ethics Policy

The Zimbabwe Newspapers Group (Zimpapers) has reportedly ordered employees to reject expensive gifts from businessman Wicknell Chivayo following his recent visit to Capitalk FM, where cash and vehicle offers were made to staff members. The move comes after Chivayo allegedly distributed US$30,000 in cash to employees in the radio division and offered presenter Phathisani Sibanda a new 2025 Toyota GD6 vehicle upgrade.

According to company insiders, Zimpapers management invoked an internal gifts policy introduced in 2024, which prohibits employees from accepting gifts valued above US$100 without company approval. Under the policy, staff members are reportedly required to declare any gifts received in the course of their work.

Sources say each of the 30 employees who allegedly received part of the cash handout will only be permitted to keep US$100, with the remaining US$27,000 expected to be returned.

William Chikoto, the company’s chief executive officer, confirmed the decision.

“This is in compliance with the gift policy. They are not allowed to accept anything with a value of more than US$100,” Chikoto reportedly said.

The controversy has also placed Sibanda under pressure after reports emerged that he had been instructed to decline the vehicle offer or resign from the company. Chivayo allegedly offered to replace Sibanda’s Toyota Aqua with a 2025 Toyota GD6 during the visit. The latest development follows a similar incident in 2024 when Chivayo gifted Sibanda the Toyota Aqua after appearing on the radio.

At the time, Sibanda was reportedly working as an independent contractor rather than a full-time employee, limiting the company’s ability to intervene. He later became a permanent Zimpapers employee in January 2026.

A senior company executive who spoke anonymously said the gifts policy was introduced to protect editorial credibility and prevent perceptions of improper influence within the newsroom. According to insiders, the policy aims to maintain professional standards and avoid situations that could compromise public trust in journalists and broadcasters.

Media analysts say newsroom ethics policies are increasingly important in maintaining editorial independence, particularly in politically and commercially sensitive environments.

Harare-based media commentator Tendai Moyo said expensive gifts can create perceptions of influence even where no direct favour is expected.

“In journalism, public trust is everything. Once audiences believe reporters or presenters are receiving extravagant gifts from politically connected individuals or businesspeople, questions about independence inevitably arise,” he said.

Sources within the company say discussions are underway regarding whether the remaining US$27,000 could instead be formally redirected as a corporate donation to Zimpapers. According to insiders, the funds could potentially be used to purchase vehicles or equipment for broader staff use rather than benefiting individuals directly. Neither Chivayo nor Sibanda had publicly commented on the matter at the time of publication. The incident has triggered wider debate online over media ethics, corporate governance, and the growing culture of high-profile public gifting involving politically connected businessmen in Zimbabwe.

Wicknell Chivayo gifts