Chivhayo Hits Back at Mpofu, Denies Influence Over ZANU-PF

Businessman Wicknell Chivhayo has issued a strongly worded response to lawyer Thabani Mpofu, rejecting allegations that he wields influence over the ruling ZANU-PF and accusing the advocate of making “baseless and nonsensical” claims.

Chivhayo dismissed the claims as unfounded, stressing that suggestions he controls the ruling party are misleading and without merit.

“Such allegations were designed to tarnish his image and misrepresent his role in politics.

For the avoidance of any doubt, I do not control or wish to control the ruling party in any manner whatsoever,” he said.

He clarified that his involvement in ZANU-PF is minimal, noting that he is not part of its leadership structures and has no political ambitions. Chivhayo underscored that his life revolves around his business interests and family, not political manoeuvring.

“I am an ordinary card-carrying member whose primary focus remains on my business interests and family.”

The businessman highlighted that ZANU-PF operates under established governance systems led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. He explained that decision-making is vested in key organs such as the praesidium, politburo and central committee, and he has no seat in any of them.

“ZANU-PF operates under established governance systems led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Key organs such as the praesidium, politburo and central committee are responsible for decision-making, and I do not sit in any of them.”

Chivhayo also criticised Mpofu’s professional conduct, expressing disappointment at what he described as a decline in the lawyer’s standards. He recalled previously engaging Mpofu for legal services and once holding him in high regard as a skilled advocate.

“It is disappointing to see such a decline in conduct from someone I once regarded as a highly skilled advocate.”

He linked Mpofu’s remarks to frustrations within opposition politics, suggesting that his association with Nelson Chamisa had clouded his professional judgement. Chivhayo argued that political disappointments had compromised Mpofu’s ability to separate law from politics.

“Frustrations within opposition politics have blurred his professional judgement.”

The businessman contrasted ZANU-PF’s ideological foundations with those of the opposition, stressing that the ruling party remains focused on national development. He pointed to the liberation struggle principles and the government’s long-term vision for economic transformation.

“The ruling party remains guided by liberation struggle principles and long-term development goals, including achieving upper middle-income status by 2030.”

The exchange underscores ongoing political tensions in Zimbabwe, where disputes between ruling party affiliates and opposition-linked figures frequently play out in public forums.