HARARE, Zimbabwe- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has granted late businessman Wicknell Chivayo Provincial Hero status, Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire has announced.
Machakaire made the announcement Friday evening at the Chivayo family home in Gletwyn, Harare, where Mnangagwa had visited to offer condolences.
The minister said the honour recognised Chivayo’s contribution to society.
Zimbabwe’s National Heroes Act provides for national, provincial and district hero designations.
Chivayo received provincial status; it is distinct from the national hero designation, which is the country’s highest hero category.
What happened in the crash
Chivayo, his wife Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, two crew members and a security aide died when their helicopter crashed in rural Marondera on Wednesday, September 30.
The couple had been returning from Gandami, in rural Chikomba, where they were working on family and community construction projects, according to Mnangagwa’s condolence message.
The Civil Aviation Authority said preliminary observations showed the aircraft hit the ground, spilling fuel that caught fire.
Investigators were examining the aircraft’s black box; the cause of the crash had not been established.
Forensic examinations and DNA testing were underway as of Friday, with the Chivayo family saying funeral arrangements would be discussed after relatives arrived.
Businessman known for philanthropy and lavish gifts
Chivayo, 43, was a Zimbabwean businessman whose company, Intratrek, worked in energy and infrastructure.
His best-known project was a contract to build a 100-megawatt solar power plant at Gwanda.
The project faced years of delay and legal disputes; Zimbabwe’s Supreme Court upheld the contract’s validity in 2023.
He was also known for publicly giving away cars, buses, cash and other gifts to people in sport, entertainment, religion and politics.
His business dealings and ties to political leaders attracted scrutiny, although AP reported that some fraud allegations against him were dismissed by courts or investigating authorities.
His high-profile ties to Kenya
Chivayo’s relationship with President William Ruto made him a familiar figure in Kenyan news.
Ruto called him a “dear friend” in a condolence message after the crash.
In August, Chivayo posted a video of Ruto driving him to a helicopter after the traditional engagement ceremony of the President’s daughter, Charlene, in Kilgoris.
Chivayo also said he discussed a proposed US$200 million investment in Kenyan infrastructure during a dinner with Ruto at State House in September.
He did not identify the specific projects in his announcement.
