THE MYSTERY OF FLASHY WEALTH IN ZIMBABWE: BUSINESS, CONNECTIONS OR RITUALS?
THE MYSTERY OF FLASHY WEALTH IN ZIMBABWE: BUSINESS, CONNECTIONS OR RITUALS?
The more useful question is not whether these men used rituals, but how they made their money, which businesses generated their wealth, who financed their ventures, and whether their business dealings were transparent and lawful.
Ginimbi’s reported business history included gas distribution, fuel trading, importing mobile-phone SIM cards and entertainment. Accounts published after his death described a business journey spanning roughly two decades, rather than an overnight rise to riches.
Wicknell Chivayo’s wealth was associated with business contracts, political connections and highly publicised philanthropy. His dealings attracted scrutiny and allegations concerning public procurement, which he denied. Allegations must not be confused with proven wrongdoing.
Sadly, both men are now dead. Ginimbi died in November 2020. On 30 September 2026, Chivayo and his wife were among those killed in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe.
There is a broader economic lesson here for Africa. Extraordinary wealth can emerge from entrepreneurship, trading, investment, access to capital, lucrative contracts and influential networks. In economies where financial information is difficult for the public to verify, the gap between a person’s visible lifestyle and what people know about their businesses can fuel suspicion and conspiracy theories.
That does not mean every wealthy person is innocent of wrongdoing, nor does it mean every wealthy person has a questionable source of income. Each case must be examined on its own evidence.
My point is simple: wealth is not proof of witchcraft, just as wealth is not proof of honesty. We should investigate the business models, follow the money, demand transparency where public resources are involved, and avoid presenting rumours about rituals as established facts.
Africa needs a culture that celebrates legitimate enterprise, questions unexplained wealth responsibly and holds powerful people accountable without relying on superstition