Former Member of Parliament and lawyer Fadzayi Mahere has issued a stark warning to professionals and religious leaders in Zimbabwe: accepting gifts from politically connected individuals can cost them their independence. Her remarks came after prominent lawyer Advocate Lewis Uriri turned down a substantial package from businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
According to Mahere, the key issue is independence. She argued that accepting cars or cash from such benefactors turns recipients into servants of the giver. “If you take their cars or cash, they make you their slave,” she said, adding that no self-respecting professional would want that.
Mahere also cautioned married men against allowing their wives to accept gifts from powerful figures. She posed a rhetorical question about a scenario where a benefactor gives a wife US$50,000 for a “handbag” and then contacts her directly. “What happens when he slides into her DMs?” she asked, warning that such situations create dangerous obligations.
The warning follows Advocate Uriri’s decision to decline a package from Chivayo that included a 2026 Range Rover Sport Autobiography valued at US$250,000, US$50,000 in cash for fuel, and another US$50,000 for his wife described as a “handbag allowance.” In a statement, Uriri explained that accepting the gifts could create a perception of personal financial obligation extending beyond a concluded professional engagement.
While Uriri rejected the offer, several other high-profile Zimbabweans have accepted similar gifts from Chivayo. Zion Christian Church leader Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi and his wife received luxury vehicles worth a combined US$590,000 — a 2025 Range Rover Autobiography SV for the Bishop, priced at US$400,000, and a 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series for his wife, valued at US$190,000.
United Family International Church founder Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa and his wife Ruth also received vehicles, including a 2026 Rolls-Royce Cullinan facelift for Makandiwa and a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon for his wife. A third vehicle, a 2026 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600, was later given as an anniversary gift. Prophet Ian Ndlovu of Divine Kingdom Baptist Ministries and his wife were gifted a 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series VXR and a 2025 Toyota Fortuner for her charity work.
Mahere’s intervention highlights growing concerns about the influence of wealthy donors on Zimbabwe’s professional and religious landscape. She described such arrangements as corrupt and dangerous, urging beneficiaries not to feign ignorance. “This is a corrupt, dangerous deal. Do not fall for it!” she said.
The contrasting responses — Uriri’s refusal and others’ acceptance — have sparked debate about ethics, independence, and the price of patronage in Zimbabwe.
