Bunjiwe Mkwananzi
Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
Captain Brian Chawasarira, one of the pilots who worked for the late businessman and philanthropist Sir Wicknell Chivayo, has described his former employer as a brother whose impact on his life and family will never be forgotten.
Chawasarira said he was struggling to come to terms with the death of Chivayo, who died alongside his wife, Lucy Muteke, in a helicopter crash at Kudenga Farm in Marondera on Wednesday, September 30.
The couple were among five people killed when the helicopter crashed in the Marondera area.
In a statement mourning Chivayo, Chawasarira said the businessman had gone beyond being an employer, describing him as someone who had become a brother and played an important role in his life.
“I have struggled to find the words to express the pain I have felt since the passing of Sir Wicknell M. Chivayo.
“Some losses are simply too deep for words. I am still trying to process the reality that someone who I knew personally is no longer here,” said Chawasarira.
He said Chivayo had made a significant difference in his life by giving him opportunities and placing his trust and confidence in him.
“Wicknell was more than an employer to me. He became a brother and someone who genuinely made a difference in my life.
“I will forever be grateful for the opportunities he gave me, the trust and confidence he placed in me,” he said.
Chawasarira said the memories and conversations he shared with Chivayo continued to remind him of the void left by his death.
“His passing has left a void that is difficult to describe. The memories, conversations and moments we shared continue to come back to me, and with them comes the painful realisation of just how much his presence meant,” he said.
Chawasarira also extended his condolences to the Chivayo family, saying he could not imagine the pain they were going through.
“To his family, please accept my deepest and most heartfelt condolences. I cannot imagine the depth of your pain, but I pray that God gives you strength, comfort and peace during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.
He said Chivayo’s influence extended beyond him personally to his family, including his wife, Stella Nkomo-Chawasarira, who is Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to India.
“Wicknell, thank you for everything — for the opportunities, the brotherhood and the memories. Your impact on my life and that of my family, including my wife, Stella Nkomo-Chawasarira, will remain with me forever.
“You will be deeply missed. May your soul rest in eternal peace,” said Chawasarira.
Chivayo and Muteke are set to be buried together at Glen Forest Cemetery in Harare on Thursday, October 8.
The burial will be open to members of the public, while the family has said there will be no viewing of the bodies because of the condition of the remains following the crash.
The couple’s deaths have sparked an outpouring of grief from relatives, friends, business associates, religious leaders and people who benefited from Chivayo’s philanthropic activities.
The crash claimed the lives of all six people aboard the helicopter, including the couple, their aide and two pilots. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident are continuing.
