Online Reporter
Post Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has expressed deep shock and grief following the death of businessman, Wicknell Chivayo, his wife, Lucy Muteke and three other people in a helicopter crash in Marondera yesterday.
In a condolence message, President Mnangagwa described the tragedy as a major loss to the nation.
“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.
The President described the Chivayo family as philanthropic, and said its charitable work and generosity transformed numerous lives across the country.
He said Chivayo supported people from various sectors, including politics, religion, public service, culture, sport and other professions.
President Mnangagwa said Chivayo had a grand vision for his family, Zimbabwe, the Southern African region and the African continent, and his efforts had deepened the country’s engagement and re-engagement programme.
“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,” he said.
The President said Chivayo had shared with him his plans for the country, particularly initiatives targeting disadvantaged communities and war veterans, on Tuesday, a day before the fatal accident.
The President said the businessman and his family were returning from Gandami in rural Chikomba where they were putting up modern family and community structures in line with the Government’s rural development agenda.
He said Chivayo’s vision aligned with national goals of rural development through investment, industrialisation and transformation.
“On behalf of our nation, my family and on my behalf, I wish to express my deepest, heartfelt condolences to the Chivayo Family, and to the families of all those lost in yesterday’s tragic crash,” said President Mnangagwa.
He said the nation stands with the bereaved families during their difficult time and hopes they will find comfort in the work and service rendered by the deceased.
“May their dear souls rest eternally,” he said.
