Cabinet Minister and ZANU PF Youth Leader slams Chivhayo For Abuse Of Power

By Staff Reporter
A Cabinet Minister and ZANU PF youth leader who is also Minister of Youth has taken a jab at controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo for allegedly abusing power after the arrest of his ex-wife and former mother-in-law.

Writing on his X handle in what many described as a coded message, the Minister said men should not use intimidation, abuse of authority or influence against others, especially the mothers of their children.

Without mentioning names directly, netizens were quick to link the statement to Chivayo, who recently had his ex-wife Sonja Madzikanda and her mother Tabitha Madzikanda arrested before later withdrawing the charges.

The businessman sparked outrage after reportedly bragging online saying “vanzwa butter,” loosely translated to mean “I got them” after the two women spent days in custody.

In a statement now circulating widely on social media, the Minister appeared to condemn the misuse of power in personal disputes.

“As a father, I believe one of the greatest responsibilities of a man is to honour and appreciate the woman who carries and nurtures the children that become part of his family,” wrote the Minister.

He added:

“As Minister of Youth, I wish to encourage our young citizens to embrace a culture of respect, dignity and restraint, particularly in moments of disagreement or personal conflict. True leadership is not demonstrated through intimidation, abuse of authority or the misuse of influence against others, especially women and the elderly.”

The Minister further said no misunderstanding or separation should ever justify using money, office or power to suppress or humiliate another family.

“No grievance, misunderstanding or separation should ever justify the use of power, money or office to suppress, intimidate or humiliate another family. Our children learn more from our conduct than from our words,” he said.

The statement immediately triggered reactions online, with many Zimbabweans applauding the Minister for seemingly calling out powerful individuals who allegedly use political connections and wealth to settle personal scores.

Others said the remarks exposed growing concern even within ruling party circles over the conduct of politically connected businessmen.

The Chivayo saga has dominated social media in recent days, with critics accusing the businessman of weaponising influence and the legal system against family members during a bitter fallout.

While Chivayo’s supporters defended his actions as lawful, critics argued that arresting the mother of one’s children and elderly relatives crossed moral lines and reflected abuse of influence.

The latest remarks by the Minister have now added a political dimension to the controversy, turning what started as a domestic dispute into a wider national conversation about power, respect and accountability among Zimbabwe’s elite.