ZEC Boss Struggles To Answer Chivayo R800 Million Scandal Questions
Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) deputy chairperson Rodney Kiwa dodged pointed questions from journalists about the R800 million paid to businessman Wicknell Chivayo in a controversial election materials deal.
Kiwa, who appeared visibly uncomfortable during the exchange, refused to comment on the explosive findings by South Africa’s Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), which revealed that Chivayo received more than R800 million from a R1.1 billion payment by Zimbabwe’s Treasury to South African firm Ren-Form.
“Let’s leave that issue alone,” said Kiwa in response to repeated questions from journalists.
“Ngatimbosiyana nayo. ZEC is not involved in that. It has nothing to do with us.”
Investigation triggers outrage
The FIC investigation, conducted between April 2023 and May 2024, found that Ren-Form CC — a Johannesburg-based printing company — was paid R1.1 billion to supply election materials to ZEC for the 2023 elections. But over R800 million was then channelled to companies owned by Chivayo.
The damning report, which has since been shared with Zimbabwe’s Financial Intelligence Unit and South African authorities, detailed how prices were grossly inflated.
“Ren-Form invoiced R23 million for a central server that costs R90,000 online,” the FIC said.
“2000 toilets were billed at R68,700 each, though retail price is around R10,000.”
The investigation revealed that the Ministry of Finance even paid R156 million directly to Edenbreeze — one of Chivayo’s companies — for what was labelled as “architectural, engineering and other technical services.”
Despite the scope of the report, Kiwa insisted ZEC would not be issuing a statement.
‘Hapana zvamundoita’
Reactions to the ZEC deputy chair’s silence have been swift and scathing. Social media has erupted with calls for accountability.
“He can say this and behave this way because he knows one thing. Hapana zvamundoita,” wrote @bayhaus on X.
Legal analyst Brighton Mutebuka did not mince his words:
“There is no point holding elections in Zimbabwe at this moment. ZEC is a crime scene,” he posted.
“Such crimes will be investigated in the future. It’s important to restore the rule of law.”
Others questioned how ZEC could deny involvement when it was the electoral body that used the materials provided under the contract.
“How can a ZEC Commissioner say it’s not their business when SA authorities confirmed that ZEC, through the Ministry of Finance, paid inflated tenders?” asked @Czeditor.
“A learned man struggling with answering like a toddler,” joked @Gambukambu1.
“Is he speaking in English, Shona, or is he mixing? Ndazvitadza kuzvinzwa ini,” wrote @Barbara29542831.
Calls for accountability
The scandal has reignited debate about transparency, public procurement, and political patronage in Zimbabwe. Although the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission previously announced an investigation into the election contracts, there has been no update on the probe.
“Leadership has to be accountable for all its actions,” said @NicksonMak41916.
“Pressure is mounting and a pushback is inevitable.”
As the controversy deepens, pressure is growing on both ZEC and the Ministry of Finance to provide clear answers.
Meanwhile, Rodney Kiwa’s now-viral phrase, “Ngatimbosiyana nayo”, has become symbolic of government officials refusing to engage on matters involving large sums of public funds.