By Nicholas Ncube
Businessman Wicknell Chivhayo popularly known as Sir Wicknell or BIG spent over USD 1 million in just under seven days. The headlines focused on the luxury cars, cash donations, and high-profile beneficiaries. But to view this purely as flamboyant largesse is to miss a much more compelling narrative, this is what strategic, people-centered philanthropy looks like in today’s Africa.
Chivhayo, a prominent Zimbabwean entrepreneur, made his donations to leading religious and cultural figures: Archbishop Mai Guti of ZAOGA (Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa) and musical superstar Jah Prayzah. These are just the recent beneficiaries of Sir Wicknell’s never ending philanthropic efforts.
The beneficiaries of Sir Wicknell’s kindness are not just prominent names or leaders are more than household names they are at the helm of institutions that provide education, health care, and social services to millions.
Take ZAOGA, for example. The church runs a network of schools, health facilities, and empowerment programs for women and youth. A donation to ZAOGA does not vanish into a black hole it strengthens the social infrastructure of entire communities. Likewise, Jah Prayzah’s musical empire isn’t just entertainment; it’s an employer, a cultural beacon, and a source of income for dozens of families in a country where self employment and entrepreneurship is the biggest industry.
ZCC, one of Zimbabwe’s largest indigenous churches, has used past donations from Sir Wicknell to upgrade infrastructure and roll out community support programs. Importantly, the church has publicly accounted for how these funds are used a transparency that’s refreshing and rare.
Critics especially on platforms like Twitter have often dismissed Chivhayo’s gestures as extravagant or performative. But this cynicism misses a crucial point that wealth in Africa must increasingly serve a dual role which is private success and public good. Chivhayo may not fit the mold of a traditional philanthropist, but his approach is rooted in the realities of a post-colonial African state where state capacity is often stretched, and the private sector must step in to fill the gap. We haven’t seen Delta or any other corporate entity stepping up to assist local musicians , content creators among others in the arts and culture space. The arts industry needs the cash injection from Wicknell Chivhayo.
The government, too, benefits from Chivhayo’s generosity. High-value vehicles imported for donation are subject to steep customs duties, all of which go to Zimbabwe’s national revenue authority (ZIMRA). According to recent figures, individuals now account for over 18% of Zimbabwe’s tax base, and Chivhayo is among the top contributors. These taxes help fund hospitals, roads, civil service salaries, and other public goods. In a developing economy, such individual tax compliance is not just patriotic it’s transformative.
Sir Wicknell’s recent donations are not just acts of generosity. They are strategic injections of capital into communities, institutions, and livelihoods. And if the goal is national development, then perhaps it’s time we start recognizing the role and impact that Wicknell Chivhayo has had on Zimbabwe. From War Veterans , Varakashi , musicians , comedians , content creators and others have benefited from Sir Wicknell. Lives have been transformed and entire communities have enjoyed the gift of Sir Wicknell’s kindness.
Thank you Sir Wicknell for this strategic philanthropy which contributes to national development.
Nicholas Ncube writes in his own personal capacity
