By Advent Shoko | ZiGoats
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has paid an emotional tribute to businessman Wicknell Chivayo, describing his death as a devastating loss to his family, Zimbabwe and the wider African community.
Chivayo, 43, died on Wednesday evening alongside his wife, Lucy Muteke, and four other people when their helicopter crashed in the Marondera area of Mashonaland East.
The government confirmed that there were no survivors. Authorities are continuing to investigate the crash.
In a condolence message issued on Thursday, Mnangagwa said the deaths had left him and his family “numbed” and in deep shock.
“The sudden and unexpected tragic passing on of Mr and Mrs Chivayo, two crew members and a security aide in a helicopter crash yesterday afternoon left our Nation, my family, and me personally numbed and in deep shock and grief,” Mnangagwa said.
“We are all shattered by this unexpected, sudden demise of so young a family and officers for whom so much promise held.”
Mnangagwa praises Chivayo’s philanthropy
The President placed Chivayo’s charitable work at the centre of his tribute, saying the businessman and his family had touched lives across numerous sectors.
“Consummately philanthropic, the Chivayo Family touched so many lives in our Nation through its countless acts of charity and generosity which ran into millions of dollars, and which motivated and transformed countless lives,” Mnangagwa said.
He said Chivayo’s generosity extended beyond one particular constituency, reaching people involved in politics, religion, public service, culture, sport and other professions.
The businessman became one of Zimbabwe’s most visible philanthropists in recent years, regularly announcing multimillion-dollar donations, luxury vehicle gifts and financial support for individuals, sporting organisations and institutions.
His public profile was also closely associated with his relationship with Mnangagwa and other prominent African leaders. Kenyan President William Ruto, who described Chivayo as a “dear friend”, also issued a tribute following the crash.
“He had a grand vision”
Mnangagwa said Chivayo had ambitions that extended beyond his personal wealth and business interests.
“The late Wicknell Chivayo had a grand vision for his family, for our country, for the Southern African subregion and for our African continent,” he said.
According to Mnangagwa, Chivayo’s activities contributed to the government’s broader programme of engagement and re-engagement.
He described the businessman as embodying what he called the Second Republic’s emphasis on indigenous enterprise with “a human face”.
“Indeed, he embodied the Second Republic’s ethos of indigenous enterprise tempered with a human face, an admirable legacy which is sure to inspire a generation,” Mnangagwa said.
Chivayo’s closeness to the President had long been visible publicly.
In 2024, leaked audio attributed to Chivayo contained claims that Mnangagwa referred to him as “my son” and that he had access to the President. Chivayo denied that the recordings were authentic and apologised for creating an “adverse impression” involving Mnangagwa and other officials.
“He shared with me” plans just days before his death
One of the most striking passages in Mnangagwa’s tribute was his revelation that he had discussed Chivayo’s future plans with him only days before the crash.
The President said he was personally aware of several projects Chivayo wanted to pursue, particularly those aimed at helping disadvantaged Zimbabweans and war veterans.
“I am personally aware of numerous plans he had for our Nation and our people, principally the less privileged ones and our war veterans, whose social condition he diligently worked to ameliorate,” Mnangagwa said.
“He shared with me some of these grand plans only this last Tuesday after our Cabinet meeting, just a day before his tragic end.”
The timing gives the President’s tribute a particularly personal tone.
It suggests that, despite the controversy that often surrounded Chivayo’s public persona, Mnangagwa viewed him as someone who still had substantial plans for philanthropy and development.
From Gandami to the crash site
Mnangagwa also revealed what Chivayo and his wife had been doing shortly before their deaths.
The couple had travelled to Gandami in rural Chikomba, where they were involved in construction work.
The helicopter crashed on their return journey.
“Tellingly, the Chivayos lost their lives on their way back from Gandami in rural Chikomba where they were putting up modern family and community structures,” Mnangagwa said.
He linked the project to the government’s rural development agenda, saying Chivayo’s vision “dovetailed with” national goals around investment, industrialisation, development and transformation.
Reports from the crash scene also said the couple had spent time at their rural property in Gandami before the fatal flight.
A businessman who divided opinion
Chivayo’s death has prompted an unusually broad range of reactions because of the contrasting sides of his public life.
He was celebrated by supporters for his philanthropy and generosity, while his wealth, political connections and business dealings repeatedly attracted scrutiny and controversy.
His relationship with Mnangagwa was particularly prominent, with Chivayo frequently appearing alongside the President at high-profile events.
At the same time, allegations surrounding some of his business activities had generated investigations and public debate. Chivayo denied wrongdoing, while authorities and investigative bodies have taken differing positions on various allegations.
His death therefore closes the life of a businessman whose public influence extended well beyond conventional corporate circles.
He became a major financial backer of sporting organisations, musicians and individuals, while his social-media posts routinely attracted widespread attention.
“We mourn with and stand by them”
For Mnangagwa, however, the immediate focus is on the families left behind.
The President extended his condolences not only to the Chivayo family but also to the families of the other people who died in the crash.
“On behalf of our Nation, my Family and on my behalf, I wish to express my deepest, heartfelt condolences to the Chivayo Family, and to the families of all those lost in yesterday’s tragic crash,” he said.
“We mourn with and stand by them in this hour of deep, inconsolable grief and pain.”
He urged the bereaved families to draw comfort from the work and service of those who died.
“As they go through the motions of this consuming tragedy, may the bereaved families find solace and comfort in the great and distinguished work and service which the dear departed rendered to our Nation, and for which they will continue to be remembered and emulated.”
He ended with a final prayer:
“May their dear souls be rested eternally.”
Chivayo’s death leaves behind a family in mourning, a business empire whose future will now have to be determined, and a long list of philanthropic and sporting commitments associated with his name.
But for Mnangagwa, his most important legacy is the vision he believed Chivayo still had for Zimbabwe, and the lives he touched along the way.
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