Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa visited the Harare home of businessman Wicknell Chivayo to offer condolences following the death of Chivayo, his wife, and three others in a helicopter crash. The visit came days after the accident, which occurred on Wednesday in Marondera. Chivayo was a prominent entrepreneur known for his philanthropy and high-profile donations. His death, along with that of his wife and three others, has triggered an outpouring of grief across Zimbabwe.
Chivayo has been accorded Provincial Hero status, a decision announced by Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire. This designation, conferred by President Mnangagwa, paves the way for the State to meet the costs associated with his funeral. Provincial Hero status is accorded to Zimbabweans recognised by the government for their contribution to their communities and the country. This honour highlights Chivayo's impact on Zimbabwean society.
At the family home in Gletwin, Harare, preparations for the funeral continued as relatives, friends, and prominent figures gathered to mourn Chivayo and his wife. United Family International Church founder Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa and his wife were among those who visited the family to pay their respects. Makandiwa's visit came days after he had dinner with Chivayo on September 25. Makandiwa was closely associated with Chivayo.
Reports have indicated that Makandiwa and his wife received gifts worth more than $2 million from Chivayo. The funeral has since shifted to Chivayo's sprawling Gletwin mansion. Earlier reports had indicated that he would be buried on his family’s ancestral land in Gandami village, Wiltshire, in the Chivhu area of Chikomba, Mashonaland East. The change in plans has not been explained.
Security around the residence remained tight, with journalists from independent media organisations reportedly barred from accessing the home. Guards at the gate told journalists: “Only ZBC allowed,” referring to Zimbabwe's state broadcaster. This move has likely been made to ensure the family is able to mourn privately.
Details have emerged about the other victims of the crash. Senelisiwe Magagula, who worked as an aide to Lucy Chivayo, was among the five people who died when the helicopter crashed in Marondera. The other victims included pilots Captain Kelvin T Soda and Captain Courage Mutavirwa. Captain Calvin Tafirei Soda, who was piloting the helicopter, is scheduled to be buried in Marondera on Sunday.
Mourners have described Captain Soda as a dedicated aviator and a unifying figure. He is survived by his wife, Shamiso, and their three children. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident continue. President Mnangagwa's visit to the Chivayo family was a gesture of condolence and recognition of Chivayo's contributions to Zimbabwean society.
Key points
- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa visits the family of businessman Wicknell Chivayo to offer condolences following his death in a helicopter crash.
- Wicknell Chivayo is accorded Provincial Hero status, paving the way for the State to meet the costs associated with his funeral.
- The helicopter crash that killed Chivayo and four others has triggered an outpouring of grief across Zimbabwe.
