Nelson Chamisa Reacts As Wicknell Chivayo’s US$439 Million Cancer Deal Sparks National Outrage
Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has launched a scathing attack on controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo after his company, TTM Global Medical Exports, was awarded a staggering US$439 million (R7.9 billion) contract to supply cancer treatment machines to Zimbabwean hospitals. The deal, signed without a public tender, has sparked nationwide outrage.
“They Haven’t Just Stolen Money – They’ve Stolen the Entire Country” – Chamisa’s Scathing Indictment
In a blistering social media post on 18 June 2025 that has since gone viral, the former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa launched a broadside against what he called “state-sponsored looting.”
“CORRUPTION must never be a fashion or a skill!! You stole the elections. You stole the mandate. You stole the gold. You stole the money through deals. You stole opportunities from citizens. You stole the dignity of the citizens. You stole the pride of the nation. You are stealing in every tender.”
Chamisa then switched to vernacular Shona, delivering a culturally-charged rebuke that resonated deeply with ordinary Zimbabweans:
“Hamuguti seiko? (Why are you never satisfied?) Mune miromo minganiko? (How many mouths do you have to feed?) Ko mune matumbu rudziiko asingaguti? (What kind of stomachs do you have that are never full?) Anombova manganiko matumbu enyu hama? (What kind of stomachs do you have, brothers?) Hamuneti? Hamunyarivo? (Don’t you get tired? Aren’t you ashamed?)”
The opposition leader’s rhetorical questions – referencing the Shona cultural concept of “kuguta” (being satisfied) – struck a chord with citizens grappling with economic hardships while politically-connected elites land billion-dollar deals.
The Controversial Deal: A Hotel-Based Company Wins Massive Health Contract
Documents leaked to the media reveal astonishing details about the agreement between the Zimbabwean government and Chivayo’s TTM Global Medical Exports:
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Company Background: Incorporated in South Africa in November 2024 – just seven months before securing the contract. Registered at Sandton’s luxury Da Vinci Hotel with no known medical manufacturing facilities.
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Contract Value: US$439 million (R7.9 billion) paid over four years in annual installments of US$109 million (R1.97 billion).
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Payment Schedule: Includes a US$52.5 million (R945 million) upfront payment, followed by monthly transfers of US$9.1 million (R164 million) starting April 2025.
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No Competitive Tender: Deal allegedly signed directly by Chief Secretary to the President Martin Rushwaya, bypassing normal procurement processes.
| Phase | Timeline | Delivery Target |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | First 6 months | 20% equipment to major hospitals in Harare, Bulawayo |
| Phase 2 | Months 7-18 | Provincial hospitals in 5 regions |
| Phase 3 | Months 19-24 | District hospitals and cancer centers |
Prominent lawyer and politician Fadzayi Mahere exposed glaring irregularities through a series of probing questions on X:
“Can you explain why the value is half a billion US dollars? Why was a company that came into existence in November 2024 awarded this contract? Does your company manufacture cancer equipment at a luxury hotel?”
Investigative journalist Jealousy Mawarire leaked documents showing Chivayo personally drafted the proposal that led to the contract award. He commented:
“This is daylight robbery. While citizens queue for basic medicines, Mnangagwa’s allies are pocketing billions for equipment that may never materialize.”
Chivayo’s Defiant Response: “I’m On Holiday – Stop Disturbing Me!”
Facing mounting criticism, Chivayo responded with characteristic bravado on 18 June 2025, dismissing the leaked contract as “fake”:
“Ini ndiri kuno ku HOLIDAY hangu musandi nyangadze please… (I’m on holiday, don’t disturb me). For opposition to make noise about an unsigned FAKE document shows desperation.”
The businessman, known for flaunting his wealth on social media, mocked critics:
“When I said I’ll be a billionaire by 2030, you thought I’d be selling mice traps? Put some respect on my name!”
He accused opponents of lacking legal understanding:
“An unsigned contract isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on. But I guess chasing social media likes is easier than reading law books.”
A Pattern of Controversial Deals
This isn’t Chivayo’s first controversial government contract:
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Failed Gwanda Solar Project (2015): Received US$5 million upfront but is yet to deliver anything meaningful.
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Election Materials Scandal (2023): Funneled R800 million from a R1.1 billion election procurement deal
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IMC Communications Pivot: His telecoms firm suddenly switched to road construction with no experience
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The post “Hamaguti Seiko?” – Nelson Chamisa Reacts As Wicknell Chivayo’s US$439 Million Cancer Deal Sparks National Outrage appeared first on iHarare News.
