Zimpapers Writers
HARARE’S central business district came to a standstill yesterday as mourners gathered to witness the departure of the remains of businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, from Doves Funeral Services.
The large turnout prompted police to close surrounding roads, including Kwame Nkrumah and Harare Street, to facilitate the funeral procession and manage traffic.
The couple’s remains were later taken to their Gletwyn residence, where they were expected to lie in state overnight ahead of their burial today at Sahwira Glen Forest Cemetery.
Chivayo, who was declared a provincial hero following his death, was a larger-than-life figure whose business activities, philanthropy and public profile made him one of the country’s most recognisable personalities.
Yesterday’s procession reflected the flamboyance with which he was associated with.
A convoy of luxury vehicles, including Rolls-Royces and Mercedes-Benz cars, accompanied the hearses from the funeral parlour.
Two white caskets attracted particular attention. One featured a Rolls-Royce grille and bore registration number WMC 777, while the other had a Mercedes-Benz front and was draped with the Zimbabwean flag.
The procession moved slowly through the CBD as mourners waved and called out their final farewells, with many using their mobile phones to capture the moment.
Some watched from balconies of surrounding buildings.
The convoy was further marked by a group of bikers led by renowned rider Victor “Coach Rambo” Kazembe, whose high-pitched horns and motorcycle manoeuvres added to the spectacle.
Among those who attended the proceedings were fellow businessman and legislator Mr Pedzisai “Scott” Sakupwanya, cleric Prophet Uebert Angel and several politicians.
There was also jostling at the chapel as mourners sought access to the limited space where the official proceedings were held.
Inside, members of the Johane Masowe WeChishanu Apostolic sect took charge of the proceedings, led by Madzibaba Lawrence Katsiru and Madzibaba Stanley Kazingizi.
Madzibaba Stanley said the couple would be buried according to the religious traditions of the Apostolic sect, in fulfilment of their wishes.
“He was a man who loved his religion, so we will adhere to everything our founder, Baba Johane, said. “We will do everything for Madzibaba Wicknell and Madzimai Lulu to make sure they are buried in the way of Baba Johane.
“We also want to thank his parents and family for granting us permission to do what our religion requires,” he said.
However, he said the sect has had to depart from some of its traditions because of the condition of the remains.
“The reason why we had to forego some of our traditions in respect of the coffin is obviously the condition of their bodies.
“If their bodies were still intact, we could have adhered to our culture, but their condition has moved us to use caskets. As you are aware, their bodies were crushed into pieces, and that alone has pushed us to forego some of our cultural traditions,” he said.
Madzibaba Stanley described Chivayo as a close friend who had also taught him the value of hard work.
“Madzibaba Wicknell also taught me the importance of hard work. All the days we met, we talked about work and religion.
“We even reached a point where we met daily, teaching each other the ways of life. We even had breakfast together at his residence,” he said.
The procession later arrived at the Gletwyn family home amid light rain showers experienced in Harare and surrounding areas.
An atmosphere of grief engulfed the residence as the caskets were taken into the home, with members of the Apostolic sect immediately resuming prayers and other religious rituals.
The media was barred from recording some of the proceedings as the sect maintained control over the funeral rites.
Earlier in the day, several high-profile figures had visited the family homestead to offer condolences and solidarity to the bereaved families.
Among those who visited were Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera, ZANU PF members and other prominent figures.
Chivayo died last Wednesday in a helicopter crash near Marondera, Mashonaland East, while returning to Harare from Gandami in Chikomba district, his rural home.
The crash also claimed the lives of two pilots and an aide who were aboard the helicopter.
The other three victims have since been buried.
Today’s funeral programme will begin with the caskets being taken into the flower house, followed by speeches.
The procession will depart for Sahwira Glen Forest Cemetery at noon, with burial scheduled for 2pm.
The couple will be buried side by side.
