By Tichaona Katsvamutima
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has granted late businessman Wicknell Chivayo Provincial Hero status, recognising his contribution to ZANU-PF, religious organisations and vulnerable communities across Zimbabwe.
Mnangagwa joined scores of high-profile figures at Chivayo’s home in Gletwin to pay his condolences and mourn with the family following the businessman’s death.
The Provincial Hero status was announced to the family by ZANU-PF Politburo member and Secretary for Youth Affairs Tino Machakaire at the late businessman’s residence.
Machakaire, who is also Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, said he had been sent to convey the President’s decision to the family.
“We have been sent here because of the relationship the President had with his son and because of the work he did for ZANU-PF,” Machakaire said.
“We all know the work he did for different churches, for the wider Zimbabwean community and for many vulnerable people whose lives he uplifted.
“The President spoke to the family yesterday, and he has now conferred Provincial Hero status on him.”
The Gletwin residence has become a gathering point for mourners, with senior government officials, politicians, business figures, religious leaders, relatives and associates among those paying their respects.
Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, died when the helicopter in which they were travelling crashed in the Marondera area on Wednesday.
The businessman had developed close ties with ZANU-PF and President Mnangagwa, while building a prominent public profile through donations to churches, musicians, individuals and various organisations.
His death has prompted condolences from political, business and religious figures in Zimbabwe and elsewhere in Africa.
The granting of Provincial Hero status gives Chivayo formal State recognition as funeral and burial arrangements continue to take shape.
