- Zimbabwe’s Catholic Church faces uproar after Father Victor Bushu of St Gerard Borrowdale accepted a US$0.25 million donation and a US$75,000 vehicle from Wicknell Chivayo.
- Chivayo is a controversial businessman widely believed to be profiting from inflated government tenders and is a known associate of President Mnangagwa.
- The donation, reportedly in honor of Chivayo’s late mother, has been described by senior priests as a ‘scandal, pure and simple.’
- Critics argue that accepting funds from Chivayo, known for his links to alleged corruption, compromises the church’s stance against human rights abuses and graft.
The incident has stunned millions of congregants and the nation, leading to accusations that the clergy has betrayed its role model status. The Redemptorist priests, who run the parish, are particularly under scrutiny, given their vow of poverty. The controversy is further fueled by the fact that other prominent figures and churches, including musician Thomas Mapfumo and Zaoga founder’s widow Eunor Guti, have previously refused Chivayo’s donations.
Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC) Secretary General, Father Tryvis Moyo, has reportedly deferred comments to the parish level, highlighting an internal struggle over accountability and ethics within the church leadership. The broader implications of this acceptance are expected to resonate throughout the church, especially concerning its moral authority and advocacy for the poor.
Timeline
- January 17, 2026, afternoon: Father Bushu collected a Toyota Hilux 2026 model from Exquisite Car Sale, owned by Chivayo.
- January 17, 2026, afternoon: US$250,000 was deposited into the St Gerard Borrowdale parish account.
- January 17, 2026, evening: Information regarding the donation was posted on Wicknell Chivayo’s Facebook page.
Key Players
- Wicknell Chivayo: Controversial Zimbabwean businessman and donor.
- Father Victor Bushu: Priest-in-charge at St Gerard Borrowdale, who accepted the donation.
- Father Ephraim Murwira: Harare Diocese Vicar General, who declined to comment.
- Father Tryvis Moyo: ZCBC Secretary General, who referred questions to the parish.
- Simon Kazhanje: Chivayo’s personal assistant, who confirmed the donation.
