Zimpapers orders Capitalk FM staff to return Wicknell Chivayo gifts over breach of policy
- Chipo Basira
- 14 May, 2026
Zimpapers orders Capitalk FM staff to return Wicknell Chivayo gifts over breach of policy
The Zimbabwe Newspapers Group (Zimpapers) has ordered staff at its radio division to return most of the cash and gifts handed out by businessman Wicknell Chivayo during a recent visit to Capitalk FM, citing a company policy capping gifts at US$100.
Chivayo appeared on Capitalk FM’s _Champions League Breakfast Show_ hosted by Phathisani Sibanda and Tinashe Chikuse last week.
After the interview, he gave US$30,000 in cash for “lunch” to be shared among 30 Zimpapers employees in the radio division, and offered to upgrade Sibanda’s Toyota Aqua to a 2025 Toyota GD6.
Zimpapers introduced a gifts policy in 2024 prohibiting staff from accepting gifts worth more than US$100 without approval.
The policy was reportedly introduced after Chivayo previously gifted Sibanda a Toyota Aqua during an earlier interview when Sibanda was an independent contractor. Sibanda became a full-time Zimpapers employee in January 2025.
Under the directive, each of the 30 staff members may keep US$100, but the remaining US$27,000 must be returned to Chivayo. Presenter Phathisani Sibanda has been told to reject the vehicle upgrade or resign immediately. c162
“This is in compliance with the gift policy. They are not allowed to accept anything with a value of more than US$100,” Zimpapers CEO William Chikoto said. A company executive said the policy is designed to “maintain editorial standards” and “remove any appearance of bribery”.
Chivayo posted a lengthy response on social media, saying he had sought approval from Capitalk FM General Manager Comfort Mbofana before distributing the money.
He claimed Mbofana “personally escorted me to my car where he received the money on behalf of the staff members” and approved the car gifts. Chivayo said he was “PROFOUNDLY SURPRISED” by reports that the act of gratitude was improper, and stated he was sending his lawyer, Sikhumbuzo Mpofu, to collect the US$27,000 he said could no longer be distributed.
Zimpapers insiders said management suggested the remaining US$27,000 could be redirected as a donation to the company to buy vehicles for general staff use.
The incident has reignited debate over Chivayo’s pattern of high-value gifts to media personalities, musicians, and public figures, which he describes as philanthropy and gratitude.
Chivayo maintains his wealth comes from businesses in renewable energy and government tenders across Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania.
Zimpapers has not commented on Chivayo’s claim that Mbofana approved the gifts. Capitalk FM is a subsidiary of Zimpapers.
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