Harmony Agere
Businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, were laid to rest today at Sahwira Glen Forest Memorial Park in Harare, concluding a funeral that captivated Zimbabwe and the rest of the region for more than a week.
The final journey of the larger-than-life couple was as colourful as Chivayo’s life itself, with scores of mourners converging at the memorial park to witness the burial.
The farewell brought together an extraordinary cross-section of Zimbabwean society — Government officials, business leaders, politicians, church leaders, musicians, sports personalities and ordinary citizens.
Among those who attended the funeral proceedings were Senator Kudakwashe Tagwirei, Mabvuku legislator Honourable Scott Sakupwanya, ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, Prophet Uebert Angel, Jah Prayzah, Mudiwa Hood and a seven-member delegation representing King Mswati III of Eswatini, among others.
The presence of the Eswatini delegation underscored the reach of Chivayo’s influence, with the King describing his death as a loss to Africa and the SADC region.
At home, tributes painted a picture of a man whose life was defined by generosity, flamboyance, faith, business and a deep love for sport.
The Mutekes also spoke emotionally about their loss, struggling to hold back tears as they remembered her.
Chivayo’s love for luxury cars was unmistakable throughout the funeral.
Today, his final procession through Harare featured Rolls-Royces, Mercedes-Benz vehicles and a convoy of bikers, with the white casket carrying his remains fitted with a Rolls-Royce grille and bearing registration number WMC 777.
The spectacle brought parts of the capital to a standstill as crowds waved, shouted farewells and filmed the cortege.
Even in death, elements of the lifestyle he enjoyed in life accompanied him on his final journey.
At the funeral service, Vapostori led mourners in prayer and song, while family members offered deeply personal tributes.
As tradition for provincial heroes, Wicknell was honoured with the firing of volleys and the sounding of the last post as the caskets were being lowered into the grave.
