Johnson Progress

Zimbabwean comedian Leeroy Tadiwanashe Zavare, better known as Comic Elder, has again become the centre of a lavish‑gift storm, this time receiving a staggering US$150,000 from controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo.

The cash, described by Chivayo as a “small token of appreciation” for making President Emmerson Mnangagwa laugh, follows a brand‑new Ford Raptor the head of state handed the comic just days earlier.

In a lengthy social‑media post, Chivayo explained the windfall: “For a young comedian to make the President of the Republic laugh is never a small achievement! His Excellency’s words ‘Ndafara newe mfana’ set you apart.
Ukafadza President, neniwo unenge wandifadza and wafadza nyika yese!” he wrote, adding that the money could be collected from his lawyer Sikhumbuzo Mpofu to “buy a decent house.”

He offered flexibility, saying, “For safety, the money can be transferred directly to your preferred bank account,” or his lawyer could “facilitate the purchase of your desired house and transfer it into your name. The choice is entirely yours.”

The gift comes amid a pattern of extravagant generosity from Chivayo, a tenderpreneur known for showering public figures with luxury cars and cash.

Comic Elder’s popular stage personas Anna Mugwaku, Obvious Mututu, Alfred Mweya, Nichodimas Chigovanyika and Potipher Zvombo have made him a household name, and his recent performance at the National Youth Symposium earned him the “Best in Comedy” award, after which Mnangagwa joked, “Mumusoro makazara zvinhu umu” (“I told you this head is full of many things”) and presented a double‑cab vehicle.

Chivayo’s largesse, however, has attracted scrutiny.

The US$150,000 gift was framed as a “small token of appreciation,” yet the scale of Chivayo’s giving over US$15 million in cars and cash since January 2024, including dozens of high‑end vehicles for musicians, sports figures and religious leaders has raised questions about the source of the money and possible political patronage.

Comic Elder, visibly delighted, said little publicly, but his parents accompanied him to State House where he received the Ford Raptor and the cash promise.

“His Excellency’s words set you apart,” Chivayo wrote, highlighting the close interplay of humour, political favour and the controversy now swirling around the gifts.

Critics argue that such lavish handouts could undermine public trust, especially when they involve a businessman under a cloud of corruption allegations.

The episode is being watched as a test of how Zimbabwe’s leadership balances youth empowerment, creative talent and the perception of “buying” loyalty.