Zimpapers Reporters
THE gleaming luxury cars, imposing caskets and high-profile mourners at Sahwira Glen Forest Memorial Park yesterday told a story of a farewell befitting one of the country’s wealthiest and most flamboyant businessmen.
Provincial hero and businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, were laid to rest side by side in a burial marked by the unmistakable trappings of wealth, from the latest luxury vehicles to elaborate caskets and a gathering of prominent figures from business, politics, sport and the church.
The couple died on September 30 in a helicopter crash that also claimed the lives of Lucy’s aide and two pilots.
The Johane Masowe Echishanu Apostolic Sect, led by Madzibaba Lawrence Katsiru, conducted the burial proceedings.
The procession and the setting at Sahwira Glen Forest Memorial Park reflected Chivayo’s larger-than-life persona, with luxury vehicles dominating the scene as mourners gathered to pay their final respects.
Chivayo, who was conferred with provincial hero status by President Mnangagwa, was remembered not only for his business interests but also for his philanthropy and support for people and institutions across the country.
Minister of State for Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution Senator Charles Tawengwa, who was the chief mourner, described the deaths as a profound loss to the Chivayo family, Zimbabwe’s business community and the nation.
“We join the Chivayo family in bidding a final farewell to Mr Wicknell Chivayo, whose sudden and tragic passing has left us deeply, deeply shaken.
“There are moments when words cannot adequately express the pain that we feel. This is one such moment.”
Minister Tawengwa said the circumstances surrounding the accident were difficult to comprehend, particularly given Chivayo’s active involvement in public life and the plans he still had for the future.
He conveyed condolences to the Chivayo family on behalf of Government, the people of Harare Metropolitan Province and himself.
“The news of the helicopter accident on the 30th of September 2026 was difficult to comprehend. Even as we gather for this solemn ceremony, we struggle to accept that the man who was so active in public life, with ambitions and plans still ahead of him, is no longer with us.
“Your grief is shared by the nation at large. Zimbabwe mourns with you. Zimbabwe mourns with us,” he said.
He also extended condolences to Lucy’s family and the families of the other victims of the helicopter crash.
Minister Tawengwa said Chivayo was buried as a provincial hero following the conferment of the honour by the President.
“This recognition acknowledges his contribution to society and his philanthropic work. It places upon us the solemn responsibility to honour his memory with dignity,” he said.
Describing Chivayo as a prominent businessman, Minister Tawengwa said his interests extended across Zimbabwe and the region, including energy and telecommunications.
“He pursued enterprise with confidence and ambition, establishing a presence in sectors that are important to economic development, including energy and telecommunications.
“His death is a significant loss to Zimbabwe’s business community and to the nation,” he said.
Minister Tawengwa added that Chivayo had also pursued renewable energy and infrastructure projects beyond Zimbabwe, engaging leaders in countries including Kenya, Tanzania and Eswatini.
But beyond the boardroom and business deals, he said, Chivayo’s generosity had touched people from different walks of life.
“Sir Wicknell was generous. He was a philanthropist, par excellence.
“He gave across every sector of the economy and to people of every profession. He gave in sports, arts, education, health, agriculture, and many other sectors of the economy.
“In the arts, he is known as a musician,” he said.
Minister Senator Tawengwa said Chivayo supported footballers and churches, while in the health sector he funded ambulances and paid hospital bills for patients.
He also provided vehicles to individuals and companies and supported people in education and community welfare.
“In the media, he remembered broadcasters and journalists. In education, he paid school fees for many families and individuals.
“In the community and welfare, he stood with the bereaved and the needy as well as Zimbabweans returning home from abroad.
“He gave and he gave, even where no camera was pointed and no one was clapping,” he said.
Minister Tawengwa described Chivayo as a larger-than-life individual whose influence extended beyond Zimbabwe.
“As such, his passing leaves a deep void in his family and in the many lives he touched.
“He will be remembered for his ambition, his generosity, and his love for his country. Love for His Excellency, the President of Zimbabwe. Love for the ruling party and the people.
“Love for his children and his family, his church, the community that raised him, and the love for his country, Zimbabwe and the Zimbabweans at large.
“Hence, he was a philanthropist par excellence,” he said.
Government and ZANU PF officials, church leaders from various denominations, relatives, friends and other mourners gathered at Sahwira Glen Forest Memorial Park to bid farewell to the couple.
