Masvingo – ZANU PF DJ David Masomere, also known as DJ Masomere, claims that the late businessman Wicknell Chivhayo promised to make him a millionaire through the Gwanda Solar Project by sending him to China with large sums of money to purchase solar panels, while he allegedly stood to benefit by pocketing some of the funds.

Masomere made the claims on Saturday at the official opening of his newly renovated Masvingo mansion, which was officiated by Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira.

He also revealed that he was the first beneficiary of a vehicle donated by Chivhayo, whom he described as an intermediary acting on behalf of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“Ndini ndakatanga kupiwa mota na Wicknell,” Masomere said, claiming he was the first person to receive a vehicle from the late businessman.

Masomere further claimed that although Chivhayo publicly announced the house gift, the property had actually been purchased by Mnangagwa, portraying the late businessman as an instrument through whom the president extended his generosity.

The DJ’s most striking revelation concerned the Gwanda Solar Project, a major government energy initiative that has attracted controversy over its implementation and procurement arrangements.

According to Masomere, Chivhayo had promised to make him wealthy by involving him in the procurement of solar panels for the project before his death.

He claimed the arrangement would have involved travelling to China with substantial amounts of money, some of which he suggested he could have diverted for personal gain with Chivhayo’s blessing.

Chivhayo, who was awarded the tender for the Gwanda Solar Project, died before implementing the multimillion-dollar project.

At his funeral, his cousin Joachim G6 Chivhayo narrated how Wicknell extravagantly spent the first disbursement of USD 5 million, including buying shoes worth USD 90,000 and cars.

Masomere’s comments offer a glimpse into the relationships between politically connected figures and beneficiaries of Chivhayo’s high-profile vehicle and property giveaways, which frequently attracted public attention.