Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu, Deputy Echo Editor
BUSINESSMAN Wicknell Chivhayo has donated assets and cash valued at about US$5,6 million towards the welfare of members of the country’s security services, in a gesture he says is meant to honour unity, peace and national service as Zimbabwe commemorates Unity Day.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Chivhayo said the donations will go towards the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) through their respective institutional Cheer Funds, which support serving and retired members, widows, orphans and injured veterans.
He said Unity Day, which marks the signing of the historic 1987 Unity Accord by the late former President Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe and the late former Vice President Dr Joshua Nkomo, remains a powerful reminder of the country’s collective commitment to peace, unity and patriotism.
“As young patriotic businesspeople, we must fully embrace our responsibility to complement Government’s efforts through corporate social responsibility initiatives,” said Chivhayo.
Donation breakdown
According to Chivhayo, the ZDF Commander’s Christmas Cheer Fund will receive 10 brand-new 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series VXR vehicles and US$1 million in cash.
The ZRP Commissioner-General’s Cheer Fund will benefit from five 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series VXR vehicles and US$500 000 in cash, while the ZPCS Commissioner-General’s Cheer Fund will also receive five similar vehicles and US$500 000 in cash.
The total cash donation amounts to US$2 million, while the 20 luxury vehicles, each valued at about US$180 000, bring the overall value of the donation to approximately US$5,6 million.
Chivhayo said the vehicles are intended to support welfare-focused and operational outreach programmes under the respective Cheer Funds, particularly during the festive season.
He said the vehicles are ready for immediate handover through Faramatsi Motors and the cash is available for distribution, subject to approval by President Mnangagwa, in his capacity as Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces.
Chivhayo also saluted the leadership of the security services, saying the Service Chiefs and Commissioner-Generals continue to serve the country with humility and distinction.
“Unity is our strength, security is our foundation and peace is our legacy,” he said.
