HARARE – Polarising Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo says President Emmerson Mnangagwa personally instructed him to donate US$1 million towards the repatriation of Zimbabweans stranded in South Africa following the recent wave of anti-foreigner violence.
By Advent Shoko
Chivayo made the revelation after meeting President Mnangagwa on Sunday, saying the Head of State expressed deep concern over the welfare of Zimbabweans who remain stranded, particularly those sheltering at the Zimbabwean Embassy in South Africa.
According to Chivayo, the President directed him to immediately mobilise funds to support the government’s ongoing repatriation programme.
“His Excellency expressed his deepest concern over the plight of Zimbabwean citizens who remain stranded in the Republic of South Africa, particularly the multitudes camped at the Zimbabwean Embassy,” Chivayo said.
He added:
“President Mnangagwa gave me explicit instructions and ordered me to immediately donate US$1 MILLION towards facilitating the urgent repatriation of those Zimbabweans who are still unable to return home.”
Chivayo said he accepted the instruction but requested 24 hours to raise the money, saying he would seek assistance from friends, business associates, relatives and financial institutions if necessary.
“Given the huge amount required, I had to humbly plead with His Excellency to afford me at least 24 hours to mobilise the funds through every lawful means available to me, including engaging friends, business associates, relatives and even borrowing from commercial banks and financial institutions.”
He pledged to make the funds available to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade by 8:00am the following day.
“I undertook that this amount will be available to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade by 8:00 a.m. tomorrow in support of Government’s ongoing repatriation efforts.”
Chivayo also said President Mnangagwa appealed to Zimbabweans affected by the unrest in South Africa to return home and help rebuild the country.
“His Excellency further appealed to all Zimbabweans affected by the developments in our neighbouring country to return home and rebuild nyika yavo because ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo.’”
He called on Zimbabwe’s business community to complement government efforts during the humanitarian crisis, arguing that corporate support was necessary given pressure on public finances.
“As patriotic citizens and members of the business community, we have a national duty and corporate responsibility to complement Government’s efforts whenever our country faces such emergencies.”
The announcement comes as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to bring home thousands of nationals fleeing anti-foreigner attacks in South Africa. Government says tens of thousands have already returned through organised repatriation and self-repatriation, while humanitarian organisations, private companies and philanthropists continue providing buses, ambulances, food and temporary shelter for those making the journey home.
Chivayo, known for making high-profile donations to individuals, churches, sports personalities and national causes, said he would continue mobilising resources until every affected Zimbabwean who wishes to return home is assisted.
“As the President instructed, kana mari ikasakwana ndichatsvaga imwe kune vamwe until every Zimbabwean affected comes back home and we build our country… together.”
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