Wicknell Chivayo Says Phatisani Sibanda Bought US$150K House For US$80
Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has once again stirred debate online after revealing that Capitalk FM presenter Phatisani Sibanda bought a US$150,000 (about R2.7 million) house for just US$80 (about R1,440). The remarks come amid an escalating fallout involving gifts Chivayo offered to Zimpapers employees and the company’s strict gifts policy.
The latest development follows controversy surrounding vehicles and cash that Chivayo reportedly handed out during a visit to Capitalk FM studios on May 5, 2026.
In a post shared on X on May 14, 2026, Chivayo suggested that Sibanda had taken up an opportunity to buy a house in Waterfalls at a heavily discounted price.
He wrote:
“Congratulations… Ukatamba neni MU HARARE ndinoku rongera ma GREAT DEALS.”
Translated into English, Chivayo was saying that associating with him in Harare could result in “great deals.”
He continued:
“Pathisani be on the lookout pane munhu andi fonera kuseni ari kutengesa imba yake ku WATERFALLS for 80 dollars.”
Chivayo then added:
“Iwe kana watambira wave nayo 80 dollars yacho in cash nditsvage neku kurumidza I WILL LINK YOU UP my brother.”
The post quickly attracted online attention, with many social media users linking it to the ongoing dispute between Chivayo and Zimbabwe Newspapers Group over expensive gifts offered to staff.
Zimpapers Gifts Policy Sparks Controversy
The saga began after Chivayo reportedly handed over US$30,000 (about R540,000) intended for 30 employees in the radio division during his appearance at Capitalk FM. He also pledged a 2025 Toyota Fortuner GD6 to Sibanda and a Toyota Aqua to another employee.
However, reports published on May 12, 2026 stated that Zimpapers instructed staff members to return most of the money because company policy only allows employees to accept gifts worth up to US$100 (about R1,800).
The policy was reportedly introduced in 2024 after Chivayo previously gifted Sibanda a Toyota Aqua while the presenter was still an independent contractor.
ZimLive reported that Sibanda was allegedly told to reject the Fortuner or resign.
A company executive quoted in the reports reportedly said the policy was designed to:
“Maintain editorial standards” and “remove any appearance of bribery.”
Zimpapers CEO William Chikoto was also quoted as saying:
“This is in compliance with the gift policy. They are not allowed to accept anything with a value of more than US$100.”
Alternative Vehicle Deal Proposed
Following the backlash, Chivayo publicly suggested another arrangement involving a dealer identified as “Madzibaba Chipaga of Enterprise Car Sales.”
Under the proposal, Sibanda would allegedly purchase the Fortuner for US$100 (about R1,800), while the female employee would buy the Toyota Aqua for US$50 (about R900).
According to the reports, the dealer allegedly said:
“No law restricts me from selling my property or assets at any price of my choice.”
Despite the proposed workaround, a Zimpapers executive reportedly responded:
“This changes nothing.”
Online Debate Intensifies
The latest X post involving the alleged Waterfalls property has added another layer to the already viral saga.
Some users viewed the comments as sarcasm directed at the Zimpapers policy, while others debated the unusual property arrangement and Chivayo’s continued public support for Sibanda.
The post Wicknell Chivayo Buys Phatisani Sibanda US$150K House For US$80 appeared first on iHarare News.
