Controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo has reportedly outmaneuvered three companies, including one tied to associates of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's sons, to secure a partnership with Starlink. Starlink, owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX, is renowned for providing high-speed, affordable internet services.
President Mnangagwa announced last month via social media that IMC Communications, associated with Chivayo, was chosen to partner with Starlink. This decision has sparked significant tension, particularly with First Lady Auxilia Mnangagwa, after a company linked to her sons was sidelined.
Further complicating the matter, IMC Communications has struggled to establish a direct link with Starlink, raising doubts about its readiness to roll out the service. An insider revealed that any of the approved companies could negotiate with Starlink, but Chivayo allegedly hijacked the process.
Questions have arisen about the unconventional announcement via Mnangagwa’s social media account instead of standard channels. Chivayo's relationship with the first family has reportedly deteriorated after leaked audio recordings suggested he claimed to have captured Mnangagwa, allegedly leading to his ban from the State House.
ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera referred questions about the IMC-Starlink partnership announcement to Mnangagwa’s office. Documents indicate IMC Communications is now seeking government assistance to connect with Starlink after their independent efforts failed. In a letter to Mavetera, IMC advisor Frederick Gruffin highlighted difficulties in establishing contacts with Starlink and requested confirmation of designated contact details to initiate negotiations.
Insiders suggest the partnership announcement was rushed. Minister Mavetera only mentioned that technical modalities were being finalized when questioned about IMC Communications' issues. IMC expressed its interest in partnering with Starlink on April 17, and less than a month later, the ICT ministry approved their application.
Efforts to obtain comments from Potraz Director General Gift Machengete, who was out of the country, were unsuccessful. Chivayo has faced scrutiny before, notably for his involvement in a scandal with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, where election materials were allegedly purchased at inflated prices from a South African company.
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