Zimbabwean millionaire Wicknell Chivayo made a significant donation of $250,000, equivalent to KSh32.4 million, to Highlanders Football Club just hours before his death in a helicopter crash. The donation was confirmed by Highlanders FC, bringing Chivayo's total financial support to the club to over $2 million, or KSh259 million, over the past two years. Chivayo's generosity was revealed following his tragic death in a helicopter crash near Marondera on Wednesday evening, September 30, 2026.
According to Highlanders FC chairman Kidman Ndlovu, Chivayo made the donation at around 1 pm on Wednesday, just four hours before his helicopter crashed near Marondera in rural Zimbabwe. The businessman was reportedly traveling to Harare when the aircraft went down. The club subsequently issued a formal statement acknowledging the contribution and expressing appreciation for Chivayo's continued support. The statement was released from Bulawayo on September 30, 2026.
The helicopter crash near Marondera resulted in the deaths of six people, including Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy. The Chivayo family, through their spokesman Herbert Chivayo, confirmed the deaths to the media. Chivayo, who would have turned 46 in November, was a prominent supporter of Zimbabwean football and had provided significant financial backing to Highlanders FC. His final act of generosity has attracted widespread attention as one of his last public acts of support for Zimbabwean sport.
The Zimbabwean police confirmed that a helicopter had crashed near Marondera but did not immediately disclose the identities of those on board. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, September 30, 2026. Chivayo's death has sent shockwaves through the Zimbabwean business and sports communities, with many mourning the loss of a prominent philanthropist.
Wicknell Chivayo's donation to Highlanders FC was made just hours before his death, highlighting his commitment to supporting Zimbabwean football. Over the past two years, Chivayo had provided significant financial backing to the club, with his total contributions exceeding $2 million. His generosity had a profound impact on the club, enabling it to improve its facilities and support its players.
The circumstances surrounding the helicopter crash are still under investigation. However, the incident has raised concerns about aviation safety in Zimbabwe. The country's aviation authority will likely conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, which will hopefully shed light on the events leading up to the tragic incident.
Wicknell Chivayo's legacy as a philanthropist and supporter of Zimbabwean football will be remembered for years to come. His final donation to Highlanders FC is a testament to his generosity and commitment to giving back to his community. The club, and indeed the entire Zimbabwean sports community, will miss his contributions and support.
Key points
- Wicknell Chivayo donated $250,000 to Highlanders FC just hours before his death in a helicopter crash.
- The donation brought Chivayo's total financial support to Highlanders FC to over $2 million in two years.
- Chivayo and his wife, Lucy, were among the six people who died in the helicopter crash near Marondera.
