Trust Freddy and Arron Nyamayaro
TRIBUTES and condolence messages continue to pour in from regional leaders, Government officials, church members, musicians and other prominent personalities following the tragic helicopter crash in Marondera that claimed the lives of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy and three others.
The Bell 430 helicopter was travelling from Chikomba to Harare when it crashed at Kudenga Farm in Marondera on Wednesday.
There were no survivors.
The other victims were Sanelisiwe Magagula, pilot Captain Kelvin Soda and co-pilot Captain Courage Mutavirwa.
In a post on X, Kenyan President Dr William Ruto led the international tributes, describing Chivayo as a dear friend whose warmth had touched many people.
“I will remember him for his friendship, his energy and his deep conviction in the possibilities of our continent.”
President Ruto said the deaths were a painful loss to the families, friends and all those who knew the victims.
He also conveyed his condolences to President Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe.
“May God grant Wicknell, Lucy and all those who perished eternal rest,” he said.
Tanzanian President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan also mourned Chivayo, saying: “It is with great sorrow that I mourn the passing of Zimbabwean businessman Mr Wicknell Chivayo, his beloved wife, and three other people who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Marondera.
“Zimbabwe and Africa have lost a young and visionary entrepreneur who touched the lives of many.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, I convey our deepest and heartfelt condolences to His Excellency Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe; the Chivayo family, the families of all those who lost their loved ones and the people of Zimbabwe. May their souls rest in peace.”
Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire described the tragedy as a profound loss.
“I write this with a deeply broken heart following the tragic loss of five precious lives aboard the Bell 430 helicopter flight from Chikomba to Harare,” he said.
“It is difficult to find words for a tragedy of this magnitude. They left their loved ones, never knowing that it would be their final journey.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the families and loved ones. May God hold every grieving family close and give them strength through these darkest hours.”
Special Presidential Investment Adviser Dr Paul Tungwarara described Chivayo as his brother and partner in development.
“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences,” Dr Tungwarara said. “This devastating event claimed the lives of my brother and partner in development, Sir Wicknell Chivayo, his beloved wife, Mrs Lucy Chivayo, my dear friend Captain Soda, who served as the pilot, and other individuals on board.”
He described Chivayo as a visionary investor and philanthropist whose contribution to economic empowerment had left a lasting mark on the country.
Members of the Johanne Masowe yeChishanu church in Harare halted their daily activities to mourn Chivayo, with some describing his death as a heavy blow to the congregation and the wider community.
Madzibaba Simbarashe Nengomasha said Chivayo had touched many lives through his generosity.
“We have lost a man who planted seeds of love. The man who taught us the importance of sharing and giving abundantly has left us with a challenge.
“Whatever we do on earth, let us do it wholeheartedly because our time here is limited,” he said.
Madzibaba Nengomasha said Chivayo had also supported church members in practical ways.
“Mwari vamutora. Tose tinofa, hatigari nekusingaperi,” he said.
Another church member, Mr Tawanda Jegede, said the news had left him struggling to resume his normal activities.
“To me, Sir Wicknell Chivayo was a daily blessing. He would give me US$50 whenever we met. I am yet to find the strength to work since hearing about the helicopter crash.
“I benefited not only from donations of vehicles, but also from the small amounts that often made my days better,” he said.
Musician Jah Prayzah and his wife, Rufaro Mukombe, also announced that they had postponed their wedding, which had been scheduled for tomorrow, in honour of Chivayo.
“Wicknell was more than a friend to us. He was family, a brother and someone who walked closely with us through many chapters of life,” the couple said.
“Pane nguva yekuti zvimwe zvinhu zvese zvinofanira kumbomira. Out of love, respect and the need to grieve with the family, our wedding, which was scheduled for October 3, has been postponed.”
Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume also paid tribute to Chivayo, describing him as a prominent figure whose philanthropy touched different sections of society.
“He was part of the landscape of the city, a city defined by its people and the characters who shape it,” he said.
Sungura giant Alick Macheso, writing on behalf of Orchestra Mberikwazvo, said: “It is not easy to find words or even think of what to say at a time like this. We can only pray that God comforts the family. May God give us all the strength to mourn with hope. May their souls rest in peace.”
He added: “Impfa nimulandi/rufu imbavha (death is a thief). It takes without warning, but the memories of a person remain forever in the hearts of those left behind.
“Rest in peace, Sir Wicknell Chivayo, wife Lulu and all those who perished.”
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