By Nhlanhla Lux, South Africa

In a bizarre twist of events that has sparked both outrage and laughter across Zimbabwe and South Africa, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has found himself at the center of a mockery following his enthusiastic endorsement of a so-called “invention” that turned out to be nothing more than an imported car from China.

The mastermind behind this elaborate ruse is none other than Maxwell Sangulani Chikumbutso, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur who successfully passed off a foreign vehicle as his own innovation, leaving many questioning the integrity of both the inventor and the president.

The incident unfolded during a high-profile event at the State House, where Chikumbutso proudly unveiled his “creation” — a vehicle that he claimed to have engineered himself. To the astonishment of attendees, including Mnangagwa, the car showcased modern features and sleek design, leading the president to lavish praise on its supposed inventor. “This represents our nation’s potential and ingenuity. We must support our local innovators!” Mnangagwa proclaimed, seemingly oblivious to the truth behind the vehicle’s origins.

However, social media users and skeptical citizens quickly began to unravel the deception. Investigative efforts revealed that the car was, in fact, imported directly from a Chinese manufacturer, complete with documentation that traced its journey from overseas to Zimbabwe. The revelation sent shockwaves through the nation, igniting a flurry of memes and satirical commentary aimed at both Chikumbutso and the president.

Many Zimbabweans took to platforms like Twitter and Facebook to poke fun at Mnangagwa’s gullibility, while others voiced their frustration over the ongoing difficulties faced by genuine local inventors who struggle for recognition and support. “Now we know why the president is so keen on innovation—he believes everything he’s told,” one user quipped, highlighting the irony of the situation.

Chikumbutso, for his part, has remained largely silent following the fallout, raising questions about the motivations behind his audacious claim.