President hands Rolls-Royce to Bishop Mutendi as Chivayo support for ZCC schools continues

Harare – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday handed over a brand-new 2026 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Facelift, registered “ZCC 1,” to Zion Christian Church (ZCC) leader Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi at State House.

The vehicle and an accompanying US$250,000 in cash were a birthday gift from businessman Wicknell Chivayo.

The cash was designated for fuel and the bishop’s personal use, as Chivayo said.

Bishop Mutendi, born on 15 September 1939, turned 87 and shares the same birthday date with President Mnangagwa.

The presentation forms part of a continuing pattern of private contributions from Chivayo to the church and its leadership that began in 2024.

That year, Chivayo donated US$1 million, which the church applied to school construction, payment of school fees for orphans and vulnerable children and programmes supporting women and girls, according to statements from ZCC church officials.

In subsequent years the support expanded. Chivayo provided further cash pledges that reached a cumulative commitment of about US$5 million by mid-2026, along with dozens of vehicles for church leaders and the media department.

He also supplied luxury vehicles to Bishop Mutendi and his wife on earlier occasions.

Part of the earlier funding contributed to the construction of five secondary schools in Beitbridge, Victoria Falls, Bulawayo, Beatrice and Mvuma, ZCC officials say.

They reported progress on these projects, including classroom blocks, science facilities and related infrastructure.

The ZCC already operates multiple primary and secondary schools, an adult literacy programme, special-needs education units and a scholarship scheme for orphans and vulnerable children.

At the 2026 Easter Conference at Mbungo, Bishop Mutendi referred to plans for a University and indicated that the church would seek additional contributions from local business-people to advance the project.

Chivayo first announced his intention to purchase the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Facelift for the bishop during a visit to Mutendi’s rural home in Defe, Gokwe, in May 2026.

He said the vehicle would be custom-made and was valued at approximately US$1.2 million, with production scheduled to begin in August.

Reports say Bishop Mutendi initially suggested the funds be redirected to acquire vehicles for church leaders, but later accepted the gift.

President Mnangagwa has previously attended ZCC events at Mbungo, including birthday gatherings for Bishop Mutendi.

The church maintains its headquarters at Mbungo Estates in Masvingo Province and continues education and community programmes across several provinces.