Zimbabwean millionaire Wicknell Chivayo has addressed public ridicule over the dilapidated state of his rural home, explaining that the aged structures carry priceless memories he does not wish to erase. Despite his reputation for generosity, frequently giving away cash, cars, and buses worth over $2 million, Chivayo insists his farmhouses are a personal and historical sanctuary.
In a detailed social media post, Chivayo wrote that the huts, built in 1962 when his grandfather purchased the 400-hectare farm, hold deep sentimental and spiritual value. Renovating them would, in his view, erase a lifetime of cherished family memories. He recalled childhood moments in the kitchen shared with his grandmother and siblings, emphasizing the personal significance of each structure. Chivayo said:
“These houses have so much sentimental value they are like a museum. To break down this kitchen and build a state-of-the-art kitchen would be nothing more than foolishness.”
He added that while many may judge his rural home against urban standards, they should consider the costs already invested in the property, including a $280,000 concrete fence, $120,000 in farming equipment for his brothers, and $40,000 trucks each.
Chivayo contrasted his rural property with his Harare estate, a $7 million home on 14 hectares, highlighting that both personal memories and substantial investment coexist in his portfolio. “Enough said,” he concluded, urging critics to understand the deeper emotional and historical significance of his rural home rather than mock its outward appearance.
This candid explanation underscores a wider debate in Zimbabwe on wealth, display, and the balance between preserving heritage and modernising property. Chivayo’s approach reflects a personal philosophy where emotional value and family history outweigh public perception, even in the face of social media scrutiny.
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