Wicknell Chivayo turned heads with a lavish gesture at a charity event at State House on Friday night, purchasing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s signature scarf for a staggering $600,000. The proceeds went to the Angel of Hope Foundation, founded by First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa.
During the annual Christmas fundraising dinner, Mnangagwa theatrically removed the scarf from his shoulders and handed it to Chivayo, joking about a “peaceful transfer of power” as the crowd applauded. He quickly donned another scarf provided by his aide.
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Chivayo’s record-setting bid came just two days after he donated $1 million to his former primary school, Dudley Hall in Norton, to build two new dormitories named Emmerson Dambudzo House and Auxillia House in honor of the first couple.
In a room filled with Zimbabwe’s wealthiest business figures, bidding for the scarf began in the low thousands. Gold miner FS Mining appeared set to secure it at $250,000, but Chivayo patiently held back. As the auctioneer prepared to close at Chivayo’s $450,000 bid, Collins Mnangagwa, the president’s twin son, cheekily raised the offer to $500,000 to boost funds for his mother’s charity. Chivayo then sealed the deal with a final bid of $600,000, leaving no room for competition.
The act reinforced Chivayo’s reputation for extravagant philanthropy, even as questions linger over the true source of his wealth.
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