“We’re Now Afraid To Give People $100”: VP Chiwenga’s Wife Slams Zimbabwe’s “Mbinga Culture” Of Flashy Million-dollar Gifts

Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi, wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, has criticised Zimbabwe’s growing “mbinga culture” of extravagance and showmanship, saying it is making people afraid to give modest gifts.

Writing on social media, Baloyi said she had given US$100 to content creator Rue the Dark Girl as promised, only for some followers to suggest the amount was too little.

“MaZimbo musadaro😂😂, hanzi $100 usd yamakapa @rue the dark girl ishoma 🤷🏾‍♀️ one Nandos meal is what I promised and is what I gave her 😂 in fact yakawandisa, ko full chicken imari ikoko? Well, we live in a society where we are now afraid to give people $100 because, vajaira kupihwa ma 100000 if not one million,” she wrote.

Baloyi said she gives what she can afford and what is appropriate for the purpose.

“Ini ndopa zvandino afforda and enough for the purpose. Next time, if someone asks me for mari yekombi, I will definitely give them $10 usd if not $5 🙈. So what I’m saying is, we shouldn’t discourage people from giving or helping others in whatever small ways. It’s the thought that counts, and I’m happy Rue really appreciated what I gave her, and I’m forever grateful for her acceptance.”

She added that it was “unfortunate” the gift became news after Rue posted in appreciation, and noted that biblically it is not encouraged to publicise help given to others.

“It’s unfortunate she posted out of appreciation, and I shared the post too, otherwise it was not even worth news. Ini hangu ndicharamba ndichipa according to kuwana kwandinoita, sorry kunevachaita offended nazvo🙈. Besides, biblically, it’s not encouraged to publish when you help others, but if the receiver prefers to, it’s their right to do so. Isn’t she lovely?” she wrote.

Baloyi’s remarks come amid renewed debate over ostentatious displays of wealth by Zimbabwe’s politically connected elite, particularly after the lavish wedding of Taonanyasha John Tagwirei, son of businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, to Poneso Tinomuda Janda at Thornpark Polo Club in Harare last month.

The ceremony, attended by senior government officials, business leaders and celebrities, saw the newlyweds showered with gifts reportedly worth more than US$20 million.

According to reports, Tagwirei and his wife, Sandra, gifted the couple US$2.5 million in cash together with 33 hectares of land in the affluent Umwinsidale area, said to be valued at around US$15 million. The property gift was also put at US$15 million in other coverage.

Other high-profile contributions included US$250,000 and a luxury designer handbag from Wicknell Chivayo, and US$500,000 from gold dealer Scott Sakupwanya.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa reportedly presented the couple with a three-year-old Brahman pedigree bull, while his sons contributed US$100,000 in cash.

The scale of the gifts, set against Zimbabwe’s deepening economic hardships, sparked public outrage and renewed scrutiny of the “mbinga” phenomenon where wealthy patrons flaunt large cash handouts, cars and property at public events.