By Edwin Msipa
A sombre cloud hung over Gletwyn, Harare as people from all walks of life bade farewell to businessman Wicknell Munodaani Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke Chivayo.
The church service, led by Madzibaba Lawrence Katsiru, made an exception for the couple. Members of the Johanne Masowe eChishanu faith are traditionally buried without coffins, but the church confirmed Chivayo and his wife would be buried in coffins in recognition of their stature.
The couple died on September 30 when their Bell 430 helicopter crashed at Kudenga Farm in Marondera, Mashonaland East. Five people perished in the tragedy, including two pilots and a security aide. Today the flamboyant couple was laid to rest next to each other at the Royal Graves, Sahwira Glen Forest Memorial Park.
Chivayo was buried with full honours, his coffin draped in the national flag, after he was conferred Provincial Hero status.
The Muteke family thanked the Johanne Masowe eChishanu Church for standing with them.
Family spokesperson Amai Rose Muteke said though mourning is painful, death is inevitable and families must stay strong. Gerald Muteke, brother to the late Lucy, described his sister, affectionately known as VaMai Mandigirei, as a brilliant problem-solver with a beautiful and strong spirit. He urged families to continue their projects.
Tributes poured in from government, business and the arts.
Minister of Information, Communication and Technology, Tatenda Mavetera described Chivayo as a unifier in Chikomba West who loved his family and believed in giving. He said Chivayo had revamped Garwe Stadium, Gandami Primary and Secondary Schools and a local clinic forUS$1 million, transforming his home area.
In a major announcement, Mabvuku/Tafara legislator, businessman and friend, Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya pledged to continue Chivayo’s philanthropic work. He said the culture of empowering artists, churches, youth and vulnerable communities will not die with Chivayo.
International condolences also came from the Kingdom of Eswatini. A delegation of seven officials sent by Her Majesty the Queen Mother conveyed condolences, saying the Kingdom had lost a business partner and a champion.
“We have lost a bright star and a giant and a true son of Africa ready to transform lives of Africans,” the delegation said. They greeted mourners with the royal salute “Bayethe” – meaning “Hail the King” – a sign of deep respect.
Mourners described Chivayo’s philosophy in three words: love, empowerment and faith.
“He taught us to love and to empower others and to love our church members and churches,” one church elder said. “He implored Zimbabweans to be thankful for his deeds.” “He gave and he gave and he gave,” said another mourner.
