Businessman Defends Controversial Gifts to Radio Station Staff

​A Prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo has defended his decision to reward employees at CAPITALK FM following an interview appearance, saying the gesture was purely meant to show appreciation for the hospitality and professionalism he received from the station’s staff.

​In a lengthy statement shared on social media, the businessman said he had enjoyed a “WONDERFUL time” during his visit to the radio station and later sought permission from the station’s General Manager, Mr. Comfort Mbofana, to give workers money for lunch.

​“After the interview, and purely out of APPRECIATION for the hospitality and professionalism shown to me, I asked the General Manager Mr. COMFORT MBOFANA whether I was permitted to give the workers some money for lunch, to which he responded, ‘YES WITH PLEASURE,’” he said.

​The Chivayo said he was informed that 30 employees were on duty during that shift and claimed he then offered “USD1,000 per person.” He added that the General Manager personally escorted him to his car and received the money on behalf of the workers.

​“I further requested permission to buy DJ PHATHISANI SIBANDA, who interviewed me, a TOYOTA FORTUNER GD6 and another young lady employee a TOYOTA AQUA, to which he also APPROVED without hesitation,” he said.

​Chivayo surprise at the backlash and social media debate surrounding the gifts. “I am therefore PROFOUNDLY SURPRISED to now hear different versions circulating on SOCIAL MEDIA suggesting that there was something improper about a simple act of GRATITUDE towards hardworking Zimbabweans performing NATIONAL SERVICE,” he said.

​He also linked his actions to his support for the ruling ZANU PF party.

“As a PATRIOTIC citizen, whenever I visit GOVERNMENT institutions or companies OWNED by the State, I naturally have a SOFT SPOT because I openly and unapologetically support the RULING PARTY, ZANU PF which governs our country,” Chivayo added.

​He argued that workers in public institutions deserved encouragement rather than punishment through bureaucracy.

“People who dedicate themselves daily towards informing, educating and entertaining the nation deserve APPRECIATION and ENCOURAGEMENT rather than unnecessary RED TAPE and excessive BUREAUCRACY,” he said.

​In a sarcastic remark, the Chivayo claimed that a car dealer identified as Madzibaba Chipaga of Enterprise Car Sales had offered the two vehicles at heavily discounted prices.

​He has indicated that this is a SPECIAL PRICE applicable ONLY to these two individuals,” he said. “NO LAW restricts me from selling my property or assets at ANY PRICE of my choice.”

​Addressing reports that the remaining US$27,000 could no longer be distributed, he said he had instructed his lawyer, Mr. Sikhumbuzo Mpofu, to collect the funds from the station’s General Manager.

​“With regards to the remaining USD27,000 which I am advised can no longer be distributed in the manner I had instructed, I am sending my lawyer MR SIKHUMBUZO MPOFU today WITHOUT FAIL to collect the money from Mr. COMFORT MBOFANA,” he said.

​He ended the statement by saying appreciation for hardworking Zimbabweans should not be treated negatively.

“May we never reach a stage where expressing GRATITUDE to hardworking Zimbabweans is treated as if it is a CRIME or result in unnecessary workplace GRIEVANCES,” he said.