Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu, [email protected]
THE John Landa Nkomo Memorial Trust has mourned the death of businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo, describing him as a key benefactor who played a significant role in sustaining the organisation’s community, education and development programmes.
Chivayo died alongside his wife, Lucy Muteki, Sanelisiwe Magagula, Calvin T Soda and Courage Mutavirwa in a helicopter crash in Marondera on Wednesday.
In a statement on Thursday, the trust’s chairman Mr Jabulani Nkomo said the organisation was devastated by the death of Wicknell, whom he described as more than a benefactor.
“The John Landa Nkomo Memorial Trust joins the President Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, the First Family and the whole nation in mourning the sudden and tragic passing of Sir Wicknell Chivayo, his wife, Mrs Lucy Chivayo (née Muteki), Miss Sanelisiwe Magagula, Mr Calvin T Soda and Mr Courage Mutavirwa,” said Mr Nkomo.
“It is with profound sorrow, heavy hearts, and a deep sense of irreparable loss that the Board of Trustees, entire staff and family of the John Landa Nkomo Memorial Trust express our deepest condolences on the sad events.”
Mr Nkomo said Chivayo had been closely involved with the trust from its inception and had provided financial and practical support towards its programmes.
“Sir Wicknell was not merely a benefactor of the Trust; he was a son, a brother, he was family; he was a steadfast cornerstone of our mission, a visionary philanthropist, and a devotee of the legacy of the late Vice President, Dr John Landa Nkomo,” he said.
According to the trust, Chivayo’s support helped sustain its educational, cultural and community outreach programmes, particularly those targeting young people.
The trust also credited him with supporting rural education infrastructure, including the development of Landa J Nkomo High School.
Among his contributions was the donation of a 75-seater UD bus to the school, which the trust said helped improve the safety and access to education for learners.
The businessman also supported sports initiatives associated with the late Vice-President John Landa Nkomo’s vision of national unity and development.
The trust highlighted his multi-million-dollar support for Highlanders Football Club during a critical period for the Bulawayo giants.
“Sir Wicknell offered more than financial resources; he gave us his belief, his energy, and his practical commitment to unity and development,” said Mr Nkomo.
“When the Trust faced operational challenges, he stood firmly in our corner, ensuring that the legacy of selflessness, tolerance, and nation-building left behind by the late VP, Dr John Landa Nkomo was preserved and carried forward with dignity.”
The trust said his death had left a “profound void” and conveyed its condolences to the Chivayo family.
“Your loss is a national loss, and we mourn alongside you,” said Mr Nkomo.
“May his compassionate spirit continue to inspire us, and may his soul rest in eternal and everlasting peace.”
The helicopter crash occurred in Marondera late Wednesday afternoon.
