A recently surfaced video has shed new light on the life of Wicknell Chivayo, a Zimbabwean businessman who died in a helicopter crash on September 30. The footage, captured at his rural Gandami Village property in Chivhu, shows Chivayo giving instructions for a helipad, revealing his ambitious plans for a private helicopter fleet. He had ordered three helicopters, including one large aircraft described as still in transit at the time of his death.
In the video, Chivayo is seen surveying construction progress on his property, which he described as a "mini Borrowdale Brooke." He specifically instructed engineers to use reinforced concrete for the helipad to support the large aircraft he was expecting. Chivayo also expressed frustration with the pace of construction, emphasizing that delays were unacceptable when resources were available and invoices had been paid.
Chivayo's plans for his estate went beyond the helipad, with requests for a proper runway, driveway, and supporting infrastructure. The property was the destination he and his wife were flying to on the afternoon of the fatal crash. Despite his ambitious fleet plans, Chivayo had been hiring aircraft from Sky Helicopters for his travel at the time of the crash.
The businessman had not yet taken ownership of any helicopters at the time of his death. Instead, he relied on aircraft chartered from Themba Nkatazo, who operates Valley Seeds Private Limited and Sky Helicopters. The revelation that one of his three ordered helicopters was still in transit at the time of the crash adds a poignant note to the story.
The video has sparked widespread interest, with many paying tribute to Chivayo's entrepreneurial spirit. The footage also highlights the rapid progress of construction on his property, which was designed to accommodate his growing fleet. Chivayo's death has sent shockwaves through the business community, with many left to wonder what could have been if he had lived to see his plans come to fruition.
Chivayo's family has since spoken out about how his wealth will be distributed. The incident has raised questions about the safety of chartered helicopters and the risks faced by high-profile individuals who rely on them for transportation. An investigation into the crash is likely to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding Chivayo's death.
The story of Wicknell Chivayo serves as a reminder of the transience of life and the importance of pursuing one's passions. His legacy will live on through his business ventures and the impact he had on those who knew him. As the investigation into the crash continues, many will remember Chivayo for his ambitious spirit and his vision for a thriving business empire.
Key points
- Wicknell Chivayo had ordered three helicopters days before his fatal crash.
- Chivayo was relying on chartered aircraft from Sky Helicopters for his travel needs at the time of the crash.
- One of Chivayo's ordered helicopters was reportedly still in transit at the time of his death.
