SOUTH African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to Zimbabwe has reignited scrutiny of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s close business allies, after controversial figures attended a high-level meeting at his Precabe Farm in Kwekwe, Midlands.
Ramaphosa met Mnangagwa on Sunday, but the gathering attracted attention after convicted fraudster Wicknell Chivayo, alongside businessmen Paul Tungwarara and Kudakwashe Tagwirei, were seen in attendance.
Chivayo later circulated pictures of the meeting on social media, triggering public backlash and criticism over his proximity to the two heads of State. He posted a message praising Ramaphosa online.
Notably absent from the meeting were senior government officials, including Mnangagwa’s deputies Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, as well as Cabinet ministers.
On Tuesday night, war veteran Knox Chivero wrote to Ramaphosa warning him about Chivayo’s alleged criminal links, saying his presence risked damaging the South African leader’s image.
Chivero claimed that Chivayo is under investigation by South Africa’s Financial Intelligence Centre over an alleged R1,1 billion fraud. He also cited reports that the country’s elite police unit, the Hawks, is probing suspicious financial flows linked to him.
According to investigations cited by South African authorities, Zimbabwe’s Treasury reportedly paid over R1,1 billion to South African company Ren-Form CC for election materials, with more than R800 million allegedly channelled to accounts linked to Chivayo’s companies — raising anti-money laundering concerns.
Chivayo’s younger brother, Joachim, is also reportedly wanted in South Africa in connection with a gold smuggling case. Two weeks ago, a South African court is said to have frozen Chivayo’s bank accounts and assets.
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The South African presidency said it had taken note of reports involving a “person of interest” to law enforcement, without naming Chivayo.
Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga criticised business figures close to Mnangagwa, describing them as zvigananda — individuals allegedly siphoning national wealth.
He has also warned the ruling party to avoid receiving money from such individuals. Chiwenga lambasted businessmen throwing around money like confetti, saying they should instead invest in productive industries and job creation.
Analysts say the developments are laden with diplomatic sensitivity.
Australia-based analyst Reason Wafawarova said the episode highlighted the risks associated with private individuals occupying spaces typically reserved for State actors.
“It creates ambiguity around representation, authority and the integrity of diplomatic engagements,” he said.
He added that the South African presidency’s response was aimed at protecting institutional credibility and reinforcing that legal accountability remains a State function, not influenced by informal associations.
Political analyst Vivid Gwede said the developments amounted to a “significant indictment” of the company the South African president found himself in during the visit.
He said continued clarifications after the meeting “do not augur well for diplomatic trust.”
Commentator Ruben Mbofana said the South African presidency mighty have been embarrassed after images of Ramaphosa and the controversial figures circulated online.
“I think Ramaphosa realised later that this is an embarrassment to his own country after meeting shady characters,” he said.
Harare has not responded to the South African presidency’s statement.
