Arron Nyamayaro
THE funeral of businessman Wicknell Chivayo has drawn a crowd of mourners which reflects the country’s social, cultural, and economic diversity.
It has brought together sportspersons, artists, business leaders and various church leaders to the businessman’s mansion in Gletwyn in Harare.
In many ways, it has been a celebration of Chivayo’s colourful life.
The businessman died together with his wife Lucy when the helicopter they were travelling in came down near Marondera on Wednesday last week.
Two pilots, and an aide, also died in the crash.
A number of people, who have benefitted from Chivayo’s philanthropy, which included gifting them with cars and cash, gave testimonies of how the businessman changed their lives.
Many of them said they were not moved by the negative comments which have dominating some social media conversations.
“All that negativity cannot change the fact that Sir Wicknell was a good man, one of a kind, and there will never be anyone like him,” said one of the mourners.
The Chivayo family says it is expecting a number of foreign dignitaries to attend the burial of businessman and philanthropist.
He is expected to be buried, together with his wife Lucy, at Glen Forest tomorrow.
Family spokesperson, Herbert Chivayo, said a steady stream of visitors continued to call at the businessman’s Gletwyn mansion.
“Preparations for the burial of Sir Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, are at an advanced stage.
“Their graves are being worked on and tomorrow (today) we are to collect their bodies to bring them here overnight ahead of Thursday’s burial.”
Herbert said the bodies would be collected from a funeral parlour around midday and will lie in state at the homestead.
Amai Magaya, the wife of PHD Ministries leader, Walter Magaya, and Bishop Nyasha Manhango of Bethsaida Church, paid their condolence messages yesterday.
Sandra Ndebele, Charles and Olivia Charamba, Sulumani Chimbetu, Peter Moyo, Vabati vaJehovha, Pokello, Lorraine Guyo, the Dziva Rembira group, and others, also visited Chivayo’s home.
Music promoter Patson Chipaz Chimbodza also paid his condolences.
Sports personalities who visited Chivayo’s home included Dumisani Mpofu, Brenna Msiska, the Scottland players and officials, former Warriors manager Wellington Mupandare, who is now the Hardrock chairman, and legendary commentator, Charles “CNN” Mabika.
Twins Association of Zimbabwe founders, Farai Lawyer and Tendai Mayor Katonha also paid their condolence messages.
