Harare – Controversial businessman, Wicknell Chivhayo has donated a Toyota Land Cruiser and US$100 000 cash to Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) veteran journalist Reuben Barwe in another show of opulence.RE
Chivayo wrote on his social media handles that Barwe should go and collect the car and cash anytime from Thursday.
”A BIG CONGRATULATIONS to you Mr. Rueben Barwe. Please GO AND see FARAI at FARAMATSI Motors, Club Chambers Showroom Cnr 3rd Street and Nelson Mandela Avenue your brand spanking new 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser VXR LX 300 Series is READY for collection and FULLY paid for,” Chivhayo said.
”To keep you afloat a small token of 100 thousand USD in cash pocket money is also ready for collection from my lawyer MR SIKHUMBUZO MPOFU at MUNANGATI & ASSOCIATES at your earliest convenience.”
“Rrrrrrrrrueben Barweeeee , ZBC News… Harare! …For over three decades, this has been a SIGNATURE sign-off by one of the most DECORATED veteran journalist and DISTINGUISHED news reporter that Zimbabwe has ever had.”
Chivhayo said he has followed Barwe reporting since he was a child from 1987 watching ZBC news.
”I remember so vividly in 1987 when I was still in Grade 2, as a young boy watching ZBC TV News at 8pm on a “BLACK AND WHITE” screen 😂, ndaingo mirira that part ONLY when you sign off in STYLE, after eloquently delivering your report which would always be the first on MAIN NEWS. You gained so much FAME for your unique style of reporting in communities, at schools and even street corners, where EVERYONE would imitate your unmistakable and CATCHY style “Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrueben Barweeeee” In fact, I remember at one time being called REUBEN when I had reported my sisters for their mischief 😂😂😂,” he said.
”You have seen and REPORTED Zimbabwe’s history and delivered each day’s NEWS and current affairs as a PRO !!! From the struggles of the past, to the celebrations of our independence, Heroes Days, and Defence Forces Days, through the dark days of COVID-19, and through every twist and turn of this country’s journey. You have kept the Nation INFORMED and INSPIRED for a better tomorrow. From the days of the late President Mugabe to the Second Republic under President E. D. Mnangagwa, you have remained LOYAL, diligent and DEDICATED to your craft, delivering news accurately with an unmistakable pride of being ZIMBABWEAN.”
Chivhayo described Barwe as patriotic.
However, critics of Barwe say his journalism career is anchored on running the ruling ZANU PF propaganda and that he is not an ethical journalist.
Chivhayo who allegedly won a US$100 million Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) 2023 ballot printing tender has been donating cars and cash like confetti at a wedding.