Sukoluhle Ndlovu
President Emmerson Mnangagwa says the death of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy and four others in a helicopter crash has left the nation in shock and grief.
Chivayo and the other five occupants died when the helicopter crashed in the Marondera Rural area on Wednesday afternoon.
In a condolence message, Mnangagwa described Chivayo as a philanthropist who had helped people across different sectors of society through his charitable work.
He said Chivayo had also been working on several plans aimed at helping disadvantaged Zimbabweans and war veterans.
Mnangagwa said Chivayo had discussed some of the plans with him on Tuesday, a day before the crash.
“I am personally aware of numerous plans he had for our Nation and our people, principally the less privileged ones and our war veterans,” Mnangagwa said.
The President said the businessman had a wider vision for Zimbabwe, the Southern African region and the continent, adding that his work had contributed to the country’s engagement and re-engagement efforts.
According to Mnangagwa, the Chivayos were returning from Gandami in rural Chikomba, where they were involved in the construction of modern family and community structures, when the fatal accident occurred.
He said the project reflected the government’s broader rural development agenda.
Mnangagwa extended his condolences to the Chivayo family and the families of the other victims, saying Chivayo’s charitable work would remain part of his legacy.
The cause of the crash has not yet been established, with investigations expected to shed light on what happened.
