Chivayo Gifts Evangelist Nelly Gwatidzo Fortuner, US$10,000

Evangelist and preacher Nelly Gwatidzo is the latest church leader to receive cash and a vehicle from businessman Wicknell Chivayo.

On Wednesday, 20 May, Chivayo announced on social media that he had gifted Gwatidzo a brand new 2026 Toyota Fortuner GD6 2.4d and US$10,000 for fuel.

Chivayo said the church had historically been led by male spiritual leaders, but times were evolving, with powerful women of God now taking the gospel to places many would not dare to go.

He described Gwatidzo’s spiritual journey as having blossomed within the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) Church, with her calling now spreading across inter-denominational boundaries and to “the four corners of the world”.

“Your ministry in many congregations has consistently carried the message of Christ with humility and uncommon grace. You have touched many lives through counselling, mentorship, youth empowerment and guidance to young families,” Chivayo said.

He said Gwatidzo had stood as a mother, an evangelist and a voice of hope, particularly to the girl child, at a time when many young women struggle with relationships, marriage, identity, purpose and confidence.

“Your active participation at kitchen parties, youth mentorship programmes, counselling sessions and community engagements has gone beyond just preaching, but has become a practical demonstration of faith and a service to humanity,” he said.

Chivayo said Gwatidzo’s work dovetailed with the vision and humanitarian efforts of First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, whose Angel of Hope Foundation uplifts and empowers vulnerable women and the girl child.

“For your exceptional and tireless efforts in empowering women and the girl child and commitment to spreading the Word of God, I wish to honour and recognise you, Rev Dr Nelly Gwatidzo,” he said.

He told Gwatidzo to “go and see Victor at Exquisite Car Dealership and collect your brand new 2026 Toyota Fortuner GD6 2.4d that has been fully paid for”, adding that she would also receive US$10,000 for fuel and as a token of appreciation for her work.

“The world needs more women who lead with compassion, who speak life into the hopeless and who remind young girls that nothing is impossible when God is at the centre of your journey,” Chivayo said.

In Zimbabwe’s public life, the church has long been regarded as a moral compass — a sanctuary of conscience in times of political and economic turbulence.

Critics say recent headlines have unsettled this perception: prominent preachers such as Walter Magaya, Nehemiah Mutendi, Ian Ndlovu, and Gwatidzo have all accepted lavish gifts from businessman Wicknell Chivayo, a figure repeatedly accused of tender fraud.

The dilemma is stark. On one hand, Chivayo’s generosity is framed as philanthropy — rewarding spiritual leaders for their service and empowering communities.

On the other hand, it risks transforming the pulpit into a platform for image laundering, where wealth tainted by allegations of dishonesty is sanctified through association with revered religious figures.

For congregants, the optics are troubling. Churches preach humility, integrity, and justice, yet their leaders are seen driving luxury cars and receiving cash handouts from a man whose name is synonymous with controversy.

This raises uncomfortable questions: Does the acceptance of such gifts compromise the prophetic independence of the church? Does it erode public trust in religious institutions?

The ethical challenge is not merely about the gifts themselves, but about moral consistency.

Critics argue that if the church is to remain a credible voice against corruption, it must resist entanglement with benefactors whose reputations are contested.