Antony Chawagarira
HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has described the deaths of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, his wife, and four others in a helicopter crash in rural Marondera as a devastating loss to the nation, stating that the family had touched countless lives through their philanthropic work.
In a condolence message issued yesterday, President Mnangagwa said the deaths had left the nation, his family, and himself “numb and in deep shock and grief.” He described the tragedy as the sudden loss of a young family and other individuals with great promise.
The President said the Chivayo family had made significant contributions to communities through acts of charity and generosity amounting to millions of dollars.
“Consummately philanthropic, the Chivayo family touched so many lives in our nation through their countless acts of charity and generosity, which amounted to millions of dollars and transformed countless lives,” President Mnangagwa said.
He said the family’s generosity extended across different sectors of society, including politics, religion, public service, culture, sports, and various professions.
President Mnangagwa also said Chivayo had shared several plans for the country with him, including initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of disadvantaged people and war veterans.
The President said he was personally aware of numerous plans Chivayo had for the country, adding that the businessman had discussed some of them with him after Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting—a day before the fatal crash.
He said Chivayo’s vision extended beyond his family to Zimbabwe, the Southern African region, and Africa, while his philanthropic activities complemented the Government’s development agenda.
President Mnangagwa said Chivayo’s death occurred as the family was returning from Gandami in rural Chikomba, where they had been involved in constructing modern family and community structures.
He said the initiative was consistent with the Government’s rural development thrust centred on investment, industrialisation, development, and transformation.
“Their vision thus dovetailed with and was aligned to our broad national goals,” he said.
The President also described Chivayo as someone who contributed to the Government’s engagement and re-engagement efforts and said his legacy of indigenous enterprise, combined with philanthropy, would inspire future generations.
President Mnangagwa extended his condolences to the Chivayo family and the relatives of the other victims of the crash, saying the Government and the nation stood with them during their period of grief.
The helicopter crash occurred on Wednesday afternoon in rural Marondera, claiming the lives of Chivayo, his wife, two crew members, and a security aide.
The President urged the bereaved families to draw comfort from the work and service rendered by the deceased during their lifetimes
