They may hold no formal political positions, yet wield significant political and financial influence.
One need not look further than Wicknell Chivayo — a businessman and ZANU PF supporter known for his flamboyant lifestyle and generous handouts, often gifting cars to influential figures.
His wealth and influence have sparked controversy, with many questioning the source of his funds and accusing him of benefitting from government contracts and corruption.
Because of his wealth, Chivayo now appears to have considerable control over key power structures.
He was once heard boasting that power now rests in his hands.
Chivayo’s confidence seems justified by the support he receives from powerful figures.
However, from a political standpoint, some of his behavior can be damaging to the Head of State.
The power of money is such that Chivayo’s shortcomings are often overlooked or masked by his wealth.
A critical point to consider is the role played by the informal economy and currency dynamics in all of this.
Informal money traders play a vital role in Zimbabwe’s monetary system, as citizens seek to protect their livelihoods amid hyperinflation and economic instability.
Many Zimbabweans — including professionals such as teachers — exchange their salaries in Zimbabwean dollars for U.
S. dollars on the street, reflecting a deep mistrust in the government’s economic stewardship.
This economic trend inevitably feeds into the political landscape.
As money becomes a decisive factor, those with the most financial resources become key influencers.
Their wealth exposes a silent form of protest and reflects the tension between the government’s monetary policies and the people’s need for economic survival.
Those with money effectively hijack both the party and the nation, as their financial power speaks louder than their political legitimacy.
Former President Cde Robert Mugabe and ZANU PF built a business empire through largely unchallenged means.
However, some corrupt elements within the party used unorthodox tactics — including land expropriation and manipulation of government contracts.
These actions tarnished Mugabe’s administration, which became synonymous with corruption.
The party’s business interests often overlapped with those of its leaders.
It’s important to note that allegations of corruption and financial misconduct are contested, and those implicated were not necessarily acting on behalf of the party.
The party itself has denied any wrongdoing.
Nonetheless, these cases highlight the complex and often troubling intersection of wealth, power, and politics in Zimbabwe.
Due to the influence of money, individuals with financial power have bought their way into political positions.
The fear is that such individuals lack respect for the electorate.
In contrast, leaders elected by the people tend to remain loyal to their supporters because they owe their positions to the people’s vote.
The dangerous trend now emerging in Zimbabwean politics is the rise of “black Trumps” — wealthy individuals whose financial might allows them to dominate the political scene.
When such figures are allowed to assume power, they risk creating a legacy of authoritarianism that compounds the country’s economic woes and stifles democratic space.
The durability of authoritarian rule in Zimbabwe may well be reinforced by the wealthy’s grip on key institutions — including the security sector.
Indeed, the rich already appear to have significant influence over both the security apparatus and essential departments within the party and the state. 🔗 Read Full Article
All Zim News is a central hub for all things Zimbabwean, curating news from across the country so no story is missed.
Alongside aggregation, our team of nationwide reporters provides real-time, on-the-ground coverage.
Stay informed and connected — reach us at admin@allzimnews. com.
