South Africa has long featured in the business journeys of prominent Zimbabwean entrepreneurs, from those who expanded their companies across borders to wealthy figures who established themselves in Johannesburg.
The careers of the late Genius “Ginimbi” Kadungure, Wicknell Chivayo and Mutumwa Mawere illustrate different connections between Zimbabwe’s business community and South Africa.
Ginimbi expanded his business into South Africa
Genius Kadungure, popularly known as Ginimbi, built his public profile through gas trading, entertainment and a flamboyant lifestyle.
According to The Herald, his Pioneer Gases business operated across Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana.
His wider business interests were associated with Piko Trading Group, which also included Rivonia Gases in South Africa.
Ginimbi’s South African connections extended beyond business.
Sowetan reported that he was a familiar figure in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs’ social scene, where he became known for extravagant parties.
He died in a car crash in Harare in November 2020, aged 36.
Wicknell Chivayo’s South African business connections
The late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has also attracted attention for his connections to South Africa.
Investigative organisation Open Secrets reported that Chivayo had nine businesses in South Africa and acted as an agent for Ren-Form, a Johannesburg-based commercial printing company.
The company’s dealings with Zimbabwe’s electoral commission featured in a wider investigation into a controversial contract worth hundreds of millions of rand.
Chivayo died on 30 September 2026 in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe’s Marondera.
Mutumwa Mawere built a business empire across borders
The late Mutumwa Mawere was another Zimbabwean businessman whose career became closely linked to South Africa.
Mawere built an extensive business portfolio through Africa Resources Limited, with interests spanning mining, manufacturing, financial services, telecommunications and other sectors.
He acquired Shabanie Mashaba Mines in 1996, establishing himself as a major figure in Zimbabwe’s industrial sector.
According to The Herald, Mawere had been living in South Africa, where he died at Mediclinic Sandton Hospital on 15 January 2026, aged 66.
His life reflected the intersection of Zimbabwean enterprise, cross-border investment and disputes over business ownership.
A regional business footprint
These three businessmen demonstrate how Zimbabwean entrepreneurs have developed connections with South Africa through commercial operations, investment and residence.
However, their experiences differ. Ginimbi expanded into regional gas markets, Chivayo developed business links involving South African companies, while Mawere established a long-term base in South Africa after building an industrial empire.
Their stories offer a glimpse into the business relationships connecting the two neighbouring countries.