Brown envelopes, brats and big appointments
Another retired general has joined active politics, children of the rich are flaunting their wealth without a care in the world while journalists at a local radio station are bitter at losing their ‘brown envelopes’.
There is no shortage of talking points this week as so much is happening on the political scene while those in the public domain are giving people plenty to gossip about too.
For me, the most interesting story is that of journalists at CapitalkFM who were given US$1, 000 (P14, 000) each as ‘lunch money’ by controversial businessman, Wicknell Chivayo, only to be ordered to refuse the cash.
Chivayo visited the radio station, a subsidiary of government owned Zimbabwe Newspapers, and thereafter gave out US$30, 000 for lunch to be shared amongst the 30 employees.
He then offered to upgrade a vehicle for one of the presenters, from a Toyota Aqua to a 2025 Toyota GD6. The presenter, Phathisani Sibanda has since been given an ultimatum: either resign or reject the offer.
Cash beneficiaries were told they can only accept US$100 (P1, 400) as per company policy concerning gifts and that the remainder of US$27, 000 should be returned to Chivayo.
According to local media reports, some company executives have suggested that instead of returning the money to Chivayo, it can be used to buy vehicles for general staff use. Sounds like a good idea to me, although more than likely the vehicles will never arrive!
While the policy of rejecting ‘gifts’ is quite commendable, I can empathise with the agony and anger of these journalists considering how most people are finding the going very tough.
I can also imagine how excited they were at receiving the news of their unexpected ‘windfall’; I bet some had already made a budget, only to be told to hold their horses, shame.
As for Sibanda, who must choose between his job and a high end vehicle, I am sure this is a no-brainer; what do you think dear reader, what would you do if you were in Sibanda’s shoes?
Meanwhile, the rich kids of Harare continue to flaunt their wealth as if to spite poor Zimbos.
Young children of Paul Tugwarara, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s adviser are in the news for showing off their insane riches and having no respect for those less fortunate.
In a video that has gone viral, Tugwarara’s children are seen burying US$100 notes in the ground before inviting people to come and dig them out.
For the poor, that kind of cash goes a long way for buying food and paying bills while for them, money is something that they can just play with, humiliating others in the name of ‘content’.
Anyway it’s their time, but one thing is certain, nothing lasts forever.
In other news, retired army general and former commander of Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Valerio Sibanda, who is also Mnangagwa’s relative and close associate, has been appointed into the Zanu PF politburo, the ruling party’s highest decision body.
The reason(s) for this appointment will unfold in due course; when it does, you can be sure to read all about it here dear reader!
