Temba Dube
Wallace Ruzvidzo Zimpapers Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa last night visited the Chivayo family home in Harare, to pay his respects and convey his condolences following the death of businessman and philanthropist Mr Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke-Chivayo and three other people in a helicopter crash on Wednesday.
The President described the deaths as a profound national loss and Mr Chivayo as a personal friend.
Speaking during the visit, President Mnangagwa said he was deeply saddened by the death of Mr Chivayo, who was accorded Provincial Hero Status yesterday.
“This is God’s doing and His will.
“I am hurt . . . I am the President, but he was my friend,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the circumstances surrounding the deaths had to be accepted as part of God’s will, saying every person had a designated time on earth.
“When we were all born, God gave us time.
“We all have our designated time to live and once that time is up, no one can refuse that,” he said.
Mr Chivayo, his wife and three others died after the helicopter they were travelling in crashed in rural Marondera on Wednesday afternoon.
The President was accompanied by senior Government officials during the visit to the family home.
President Mnangagwa described Mr Chivayo as a man of “grand vision”, whose aspirations extended beyond his family to Zimbabwe and the wider African continent.
“Wicknell was a man of grand vision, not just for his family, but for Zimbabwe and the wider African continent,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also paid tribute to the Chivayo family’s philanthropic work, saying it had positively affected lives across several sectors.
“The Chivayo family’s deep patriotism and selfless philanthropy transformed numerous lives across public service, religion, culture, and sport,” he said.
The President also mourned the two crew members and security aide who died in the crash.
“In this time of national loss, we also mourn the two promising crew members and the dedicated security aide who perished alongside them,” said President Mnangagwa.
He called for unity, compassion and prayer as the bereaved families come to terms with the tragedy.
“During this moment of profound heartbreak, we stand together in unity, compassion, and prayer with the bereaved families. May the Almighty comfort them and grant collective strength to our
nation,” said the President.
“May their dear souls rest in eternal peace.”
A sombre atmosphere prevailed at the Chivayo family home as relatives, friends and mourners gathered to pay their respects to the late businessman and philanthropist Mr Chivayo and his wife.
The gathering brought together members of the business community, captains of industry and religious leaders, reflecting the wide circle of people touched by the couple during their lives.
Members of apostolic sect churches were also present, alongside leaders from various Pentecostal churches, including United Family International Church (UFIC) leader Prophet Emmanuel
Makandiwa and his wife, Prophetess Ruth Makandiwa.
PHD Ministries founder Prophet Walter Magaya and Prophet Passion Java were also among those who were at the family home to offer their condolences to the bereaved family.
The atmosphere remained subdued as mourners consoled family members and reflected on the lives of the couple, whose deaths have sent shockwaves across the country.
Online Reporter