Coltart Condemns Chivayo’s Inclusion in Mnangagwa–Boko ZITF Walkabout

Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart has criticised the presence of businessman Wicknell Chivayo during a tour of exhibition stands by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Botswana counterpart, Duma Boko, at last week’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).

The annual event, held in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, saw Chivayo, who does not hold any official government position, walking closely behind the two Heads of State as they toured the exhibition grounds.

In a post on X, Coltart questioned the rationale behind Chivayo’s proximity to the presidential entourage, suggesting that if additional representation was required, it would have been more appropriate for one of President Mnangagwa’s deputies, Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, to be present instead.

Wrote Coltart: “The spectacle of Wicknell Chivayo accompanying Presidents Boko and Mnangagwa at ZITF on Thursday was unedifying and sullied respect for these two offices.

“Both Vice Presidents Chiwenga and Mohadi were present at ZITF, and it is inexplicable why they did not accompany both Presidents rather than Mr Chivayo.

“Mr Chivayo holds no public office, runs no discernible business employing great numbers of people & has not demonstrated any particular ingenuity or innovation.

“The manner he flaunts his wealth (the source of which remains a mystery to most Zimbabweans) has deeply angered millions of Zimbabweans who are struggling to pay school fees or obtain basic medical care.

“This is the reason his presence in the company of both Presidents was unfortunate to say the least.

“We can do so much better, Zimbabwe, in marketing ourselves and our Nation.”

Related:

Chivayo Dismisses Coltart Criticism As “Mischievous” “2023 Elections May Be The Last Elections Zimbabwe Ever Had”