Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
Businessman and philanthropist Mr Wicknell Chivayo has pledged US$1 million towards the repatriation of Zimbabweans from South Africa.
In a statement, Mr Chivayo said he paid a courtesy call on President Mnangagwa yesterday following a week-long business trip to Dubai.
“His Excellency expressed his deepest concern over the plight of Zimbabwean citizens who remain stranded in the Republic of South Africa, particularly the multitudes camped at the Zimbabwean Embassy.”
Mr Chivayo said President Mnangagwa instructed him to immediately contribute US$1 million towards facilitating the urgent repatriation of the affected Zimbabweans.
“In that regard, His Excellency gave me explicit instructions and ordered me to immediately donate US$1 million towards facilitating the urgent repatriation of those Zimbabweans who are still unable to return home.”
Mr Chivayo said he had requested 24 hours to mobilise the funds, including engaging business associates, relatives and financial institutions.
“Given the huge amount required, I had to humbly plead with His Excellency to afford me at least 24 hours to try my best to mobilise the funds through every lawful means available to me, including engaging friends, business associates, relatives and even borrowing from commercial banks and financial institutions,” he said.
Mr Chivayo said he has undertaken to make the funds available to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade today in support of the Government’s repatriation programme.
He said President Mnangagwa had also appealed to Zimbabweans affected by the developments in South Africa to return home and participate in national development.
