Pharo Chivayo, the younger brother of flamboyant businessman Wicknell Chivayo, was seen standing beside his white Rolls-Royce Ghost outside the family's Borrowdale mansion in Harare. The photo, which quickly went viral, showed Pharo dressed in a cream luxury outfit, next to the open door of his vehicle, as funeral vehicles brought the caskets home. A large blue banner reading 'Rest in peace Mrs Chivayo' was visible behind him, confirming the loss of a beloved Chivayo family matriarch.
The image of Pharo in his cream luxury outfit, next to the white Ghost, drew widespread reaction from netizens. According to sources present at the mansion, the day started early with funeral home vehicles transporting the caskets from the parlour under tight security. Once the remains arrived, elders gathered inside for traditional rites, while Wicknell Chivayo, visibly emotional, stayed with senior family members and church leaders.
Pharo took charge outside, directing guests, managing the flow of vehicles along the cabro-paved driveway, and ensuring every visitor was guided to the right place. Sources described him as being rock-solid, and notable for not hiring people to do everything despite his wealth. The brothers themselves were standing at the door, in their Rolls-Royces, welcoming people to their mother's home, which was seen as a display of true Ubuntu.
Earlier in the day, another of Wicknell Chivayo's brothers, known as GSIX, had also been spotted at the mansion in his blue Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Wicknell Chivayo has built a reputation as one of Zimbabwe's most ostentatious figures, with a fleet that reportedly includes multiple Rolls-Royces, Cullinans, and a 2025 Rolls-Royce Phantom.
In Zimbabwean culture, it is the sons and brothers of a family who are expected to stand at the gate when a body is brought home, receiving both the casket and the mourners. The Chivayo brothers, luxury vehicles and all, honoured that tradition. For many Zimbabweans watching the moment unfold online, the image of Pharo in his cream outfit carried a deeper meaning than wealth alone.
The remains are set to continue lying in state at the mansion ahead of burial arrangements. According to reports, African heads of state and dignitaries have been invited to the burial of two family members in Zimbabwe. The bodies are expected to lie in state overnight before a Thursday ceremony at Glenforest cemetery, where the family has urged mourners to gather in peace and avoid chaos.
Key points
- Pharo Chivayo was photographed standing beside his white Rolls-Royce Ghost outside the family's Borrowdale mansion during a vigil for their mother.
- The Chivayo brothers, including Pharo and GSIX, were seen standing at the gate, receiving the casket and mourners in their luxury vehicles.
- The family has invited African heads of state and dignitaries to the burial of two family members in Zimbabwe.
