Online Reporter
Robson Sharuko and Arron Nyamayaro
WICKNELL Chivayo’s death on Wednesday was trending around the world yesterday in a confirmation of how the businessman’s influence had spread around the globe.
Chivayo, who was set to turn 44 next month, died when the helicopter he was travelling in crashed at a farm near Marondera at about 5pm on Wednesday. His wife, Lucy “Lulu” Rujeko, was also killed in the horror crash.
Saniliswe Magagula, who was Lulu’s aide, and the two pilots – Calvin Tafirei Soda and Courage Mutavirwa – also died in the crash.
Police national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the identity of the victims.
“Reference is made to the Zimbabwe Republic Police post on its X handle regarding the helicopter crash which occurred on 30 September at Kudenga Farm, Marondera.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reports that the scene has been attended by forensic scientists and other aviation experts.
“Meanwhile, the police, in conjunction with the relevant experts, are conducting investigations into the circumstances surrounding the helicopter crash.
“More information will be released as investigations unfold.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police expresses its deepest condolences to the bereaved families.”
Chivayo was returning to Harare after having visited his rural home in Chikomba when tragedy struck.
President Mnangagwa yesterday expressed deep shock and grief following the death of the businessman and four others in that crash.
“The sudden and unexpected tragic passing on of Mr and Mrs Chivayo, two crew members and a security aide in a helicopter crash yesterday afternoon left our nation, my family, and me personally numbed and in deep shock and grief,” he said.
“He embodied the Second Republic’s ethos of indigenous enterprise tempered with a human face, an admirable legacy which is sure to inspire a generation.”
Kenya President William Ruto, in his condolence message, described Chivayo as his “friend.”
The businessman’s death has attracted widespread coverage around the world with many leading news organisations, including the BBC and Al Jazeera, and Britain’s leading tabloid, The Sun, also covering his death.
The coverage spread from Nigeria to India with leading media organisations in those country covering the businessman’s tragic death.
In India, Chivayo’s death was covered by the Hindustan Times while in Nigeria, his death was covered by various media organisations in that country.
There was widespread coverage of the businessman’s death in leading Kenyan media organisations like The Standard and the East African.
Leading Zimbabwean musician, Alick Macheso, sent a condolence message to the Chivayo family.
“Mhuri ye Zimbabwe pasi rose ndinotora uno mukana ndakamirira Orchestra Mberikwazvo tinopa runyararo, rudo netsitsi,” Macheso wrote.
“Hazvisi nyore kutaura kana kufunga mashoko anokwana panguva yakadai.”
Another music superstar, Jah Prayzah, postponed his wedding, which was scheduled for Glen Lorne in Harare tomorrow, following Chivayo’s death.
The two had been close friends for some time and Chivayo had struck a US$500,000 deal for Thomas Mapfumo to sing at Jah Prayzah’s wedding before it was postponed.
A similar deal, which was also worth US$500,000, had been struck for Mukanya to perform at Chivayo’s birthday party next month which, given the tragedy, won’t be held.
Local football clubs, Highlanders and Scottland FC, who have received substantial amounts of funding from Chivayo, also sent their condolence messages.
Highlanders revealed that they received US$250,000 from Chivayo on the very day the businessman died.
It took his investment into the club to over US$2 million in the ast two years.
Meanwhile, some members of the Johanne Masowe yeChishanu church in Harare halted their daily activities to mourn Chivayo yesterday.
Several members said they were struggling to come to terms with the tragedy and they were still trying to understand how quickly life had changed.
Madzibaba Simbarashe Nengomasha said Chivayo touched the lives of many people through his generosity and support.
“We have lost a man who has been planting seeds of love.
“The man who taught us a lesson of sharing –giving the best in abundance – has left us with a challenge.
“Whatever we do on earth, let us do it wholeheartedly because we do not have a lot of time to live,” he said.
Madzibaba Nengomasha said Chivayo also changed the church community’s way of life, noting that he supported members in practical ways.
He added that it was his prayer that more people would follow Chivayo’s example.
Madzibaba Katsiru said Chivayo’s philanthropy went beyond donations of vehicles and cash.
He said the businessman supported students by paying school fees, assisted individuals with medical expenses and even helped widows.
“For many, he was a man who gave cars and cash. But to us, it was more than that,” Katsiru said.
Another church member, Tawanda Jegede, said the news of the crash affected him deeply.
“To me, Sir Wicknell Chivayo was a daily blessing. He would give me US$50 whenever he saw me.
“I am yet to gain the strength to work since I heard about the helicopter crash.”
Meanwhile, a number of church members travelled to Gletwin hoping to join other mourners but they were turned away from the neighbourhood.
Chivayo stayed in the upmarket neighbourhood.
“We went to his Borrowdale, Gunhill and Gletwin properties but we were turned away,” one member said.
Mathew Masinge