He had numerous plans for us and Africa – Mnangagwa mourns Chivayo

The late Wicknell Chivayo. /WICKNELL CHIVAYO/XZimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has mourned billionaire businessman Wicknell Chivayo, saying he had numerous plans for Zimbabwe, its people and Africa that he was pursuing before his life was cut short in a helicopter crash.

Mnangagwa said Chivayo had shared some of his plans with him just a day before the crash, describing his death alongside his wife, Lucy Muteke, as a devastating loss to the country.

“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 in a condolence message.

The helicopter crashed on Wednesday afternoon at Kudenga Farm in Marondera, east of Harare, killing all six people on board.

Authorities said there were no survivors following the accident, with Chivayo’s family confirming that he and Muteke were among those killed.

Mnangagwa said the businessman had a broad vision that extended beyond his family and home country.

“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.

The President said Chivayo had played a role in strengthening Zimbabwe’s international engagement and promoting the country, while describing his philanthropy as an important part of his legacy.

“Consummately philanthropic, Chivayo’s charitable giving ran into millions of dollars and reached people and institutions across politics, religion, public service, culture, sport and other professions,” Mnangagwa said.

“His generous hand cut across sectors and reached many individuals: in politics, religion, public service, culture, sport and many different professions.”

He said he was personally aware of several plans Chivayo had been developing, particularly initiatives targeting disadvantaged Zimbabweans and war veterans.

“He shared with me some of these grand plans only this last Tuesday after our Cabinet meeting, just a day before his tragic end,” Mnangagwa said.

The President revealed that Chivayo and his wife were returning from Gandami in rural Chikomba when the helicopter went down.

Mnangagwa said the couple had been involved in putting up modern family and community structures in the area, describing the initiative as consistent with Zimbabwe’s rural development agenda.

“His vision thus dovetailed with, and located itself within our broad national goals,” he said.

Chivayo, 43, was among the high-profile Zimbabwean business figures known for his close relationships with senior political and public figures.

His death has drawn tributes from across the region, including President William Ruto, who described him as a dear friend.

Mnangagwa said Chivayo’s plans and philanthropy reflected what he regarded as the country’s broader development ambitions.

He described the businessman as an embodiment of the Second Republic’s emphasis on indigenous enterprise combined with philanthropy, saying his legacy could inspire a new generation.

Mnangagwa extended his condolences to the families of all the other victims who died in the crash.

“We mourn with and stand by them in this hour of deep, inconsolable grief and pain,” he said, urging the bereaved families to draw comfort from the work and service of those who died and the legacy they left behind.

“We are all shattered by this unexpected, sudden demise of so young a family and officers for whom so much promise held,” he said.