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Wicknell Chivayo (left), with the First Lady, Cde Grace Mugabe, and her son Robert Jr at a restaurant in Dubai recently

Whinsley Masara Chronicle Reporter—
CONTROVERSIAL businessman Wicknell Chivayo says he recently met the First Lady, Cde Grace Mugabe, and was advised to always see the bigger picture, forcing him to apologise to the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Techonlogy Development, Professor Jonathan Moyo, whom he publicly derided.

In a message posted on Facebook yesterday, Chivayo did not state when exactly he met the First Lady but on April 9 he posted pictures of himself dining with the First Lady and the First couple’s older son, Robert Jnr, in Dubai.

The businessman recently attacked Prof Moyo for saying the Warriors don’t need personal but corporate sponsorship. Chivayo blasted the Minister and said Prof Moyo risked being fired from government, just like expelled former Vice President Joice Mujuru. He also said the Minister’s opinions were irrelevant.

Yesterday, the boisterous Chivayo, who calls himself “Sir Wicknell”, said he had realised that he erred after meeting the First Lady whom he described as an amazing woman. He said Cde Mugabe reprimanded him for attacking Prof Moyo and also advised him to continue sponsoring the Warriors.

“The good news is during my recent interaction with ZIMBABWE’S MOTHER, she politely requested me to continue supporting the Warriors at all costs. As much as I tried to explain my side of the story, she said you are all my children and I won’t stoop so low and listen to who said this and who said that. She encouraged me never to give up as well as to remain strong and expect criticism when executing a national duty.

“She also strongly reprimanded me for recently attacking an Honourable Cabinet Minister on social media. Regardless of their size, complexion or financial status, by virtue of being a minister who was appointed by the President, they all equally deserve utmost due respect no matter their views or opinions in any situation,” said Chivayo.

He said as a “small indirect way of apologising” to the Minister, he would donate text books and stationery worth $50,000 to a school in Prof Moyo’s constituency of Tsholotsho North.

Attacking the Zanu-PF Politburo member last week, Chivayo said: “JONONO I’ve always thought you were a Professor maybe your PROF title means PROPHET….what is corporate sponsorship? Do you think I print this money at home??? What difference does it make if I’m taking it from my company??? Ask your best friend Phillip Chiyangwa other than HARD CASH which account I always transfer all the money that I have given him in retrospect from?”

But a contrite Chivayo yesterday said after meeting the First Lady, he had seen the error of his ways in attacking Prof Moyo. “I rest assured her that the oversight will be corrected in future,” he said. Chivayo also pledged to resume his relationship with the Warriors.

“Based on her polite request as an AMAZING MOTHER I would like to bring this confusion to rest and assure everyone that I am FULLY BEHIND THE WARRIORS till the end…WHO AM I TO DISREGARD ADVICE FROM AMAI VE ZIMBABWE….When I say I am fully behind the WARRIORS and I don’t mean just with my two hands and mouth in the stadium but with my HEART and my STRONG POCKET….It must be noted with due respect that this decision I have made is FINAL, IRREVOCABLE and IRREVERSIBLE…. She asked me to look at the bigger picture and see beyond a mere fight with journalists. She asked me to stand up and show the nation I am indeed a PATRIOTIC CITIZEN. She also asked me if HIS EXCELLENCY had sulked and thrown a tantrum after being tormented, criticised and tortured by whites during the liberation struggle would we have attained INDEPENDENCE ???? DEFINITELY NOT……ZIFA can gladly go ahead and look for an official corporate sponsor but be rest assured of my best financial support for the 20 PLAYERS and their COACH at all times,” he said.