Harmony Agere
The meaning behind businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s nickname ‘Mukuru wemazuva’ has been explained by his family during his funeral service at his Gletwyn home ahead of burial later today.
Mr Naison Chivayo, Wicknell’s uncle, said the businessman had been given several nicknames over the years, including ‘Mhitsa’ and ‘Bigger Preacher’.
“We gave him the nickname ‘Mhitsa’ because of his body. But then he was given another one called ‘Bigger Preacher’ due to his philanthropic work;” he said.
“He asked me to clarify the name ‘Mukuru wemazuva’ as he wanted to understand what it means,” he said.
“People gave him the name ‘Mukuru wemazuva’ because they said we have seen the greatness of God through your generosity. The way he gave to people, including strangers, was God-sent; that’s what they said.
“I must say Wicknell never gave himself the name nor did he see himself as God, but people gave him this name because he was acting in his likeness,” he said.
Wicknell Munodaani Chivayo Senior, brother to Wicknell’s father, said Chivayo grew up in Selous and attended Dudley Hall.
“Wicknell grew up in Selous and attended Dudley Hall there,” he said.
“Growing up, he was everyone’s friend, always jovial and joking with people.”
He said Chivayo’s generosity and public profile eventually made him a person who belonged to Zimbabwe as a whole.
“As he started his business, he ceased to be only a Chivayo but belonged to Zimbabwe as a whole,” he said.
“He was a generous person who liked helping the family greatly.”
Ms Makaza, the sister of Wicknell’s mother who stood in as his mother, said she never imagined she would be mourning him.
“I never thought today I would be here mourning Wicknell,” she said.
“I thought he was the one who was going to bury me. We are hurt, this man had an incredibly good heart.”
Chivayo’s brother David also spoke about the role Wicknell played in bringing the Chivayo family together.
His sister Esther, accompanied by six other sisters, spoke emotionally about the loss of Wicknell and his wife, Lucy Muteke.
“We loved Wicknell and our sister-in-law Lucy and we are filled with tears and sadness,” she said.
“Death is difficult to accept, but it’s the way for us all, and we hope in time the wound will heal.
“Wicknell will continue living through our love and through our stories,” she said.
