Zimbabwe’s rich singing from a different tune
We have spending manias in Zimbabwe who never shy away from flaunting their extreme wealth.
One of the worst is Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary, George Guvamatanga, who has openly admitted he is filthy rich and not ashamed to show off.
While Guvamatanga, 52, claims he made his millions while working for Barclays Bank and also makes money through cattle farming, his crazy spending sprees have prompted many to allege he might be enjoying proceeds from corruption.
And with the exposé by Al Jazeera on gold looting and money laundering running into billions of US dollars, one can easily be forgiven for suspecting all this money being spent so lavishly could be part of the loot.
Over the past weekend, Guvamatanga flew 300 guests from Harare to Cape Town for his daughter’s wedding. He also paid for their accommodation and meals; you can imagine how much he parted with for this particular expense.
The wedding was a show stopper as the bride and the groom arrived in Ferraris while entertainment was provided by South African group, Mafikizolo, who also don’t come cheap.
Such extravagant, eye-watering cash splashing is nothing new for Guvamatanga.
In 2021, the super rich PS was criticised for throwing a big bash to celebrate his 50th birthday in the midst of so much poverty in the country. His unashamed response: he wasn’t about to pretend to be poor just to please the masses.
In 2020, he also drew widespread criticism when he flew his family in a private jet from Harare to Vic Falls to celebrate beating Covid-19.
Another big spender is flamboyant businessman, Wicknell Chivayo, who loves to flaunt his wealth on social media.
During the just ended Easter holidays, Chivayo took to social media to reveal he had forked out more than US$100, 000 (about P1.3million) buying luxury vehicles for his church leader and wife.
The said vehicles are a 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport and a 2023 Toyota Fortuner, which he explained were a token of appreciation for prayers answered during his tough period that resulted in a recent court triumph.
Chivayo was recently acquitted of mishandling US$5.6 million which was meant for a solar project.
While he is yet to start constructing the solar project after winning the huge tender from the power utility company, Chivayo continues to splash his money as evidenced by the purchase of two vehicles. It’s enough to drive one to despair!
Meanwhile, images of First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa and her sons meeting the President of Belarus in what appears to be an official setting have emerged on social media, leaving many to wonder what the first family is up to.
Talk about a country being run from a family living room!