By Jeremiah Gora
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed shock and grief following the death of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, his wife and three other people in a helicopter crash in rural Marondera on Wednesday.
In a condolence message issued today, President Mnangagwa said the deaths had left him, his family and the nation numbed and in deep shock and grief.
The crash claimed the lives of Mr and Mrs Chivayo, two crew members and a security aide.
President Mnangagwa described the deaths as a sudden and tragic loss, saying the victims were so young and had shown considerable promise.
He highlighted the Chivayo family’s philanthropic activities, saying their charitable work had benefited people across various sectors, including politics, religion, public service, culture, sport and other professions.
“The Chivayo Family touched so many lives in our Nation through its countless acts of charity and generosity which ran into millions of dollars, and which motivated and transformed countless lives,” President Mnangagwa said.
The President said the late Wicknell Chivayo had developed ambitious plans for his family, Zimbabwe, the Southern African region and Africa, adding that he had contributed to the country’s engagement and re-engagement efforts.
He said Chivayo had shared some of his plans with him as recently as Tuesday, following a Cabinet meeting, one day before the fatal crash.
He said the Chivayos were travelling from Gandami in rural Chikomba when the tragedy occurred, where they had been involved in the construction of modern family and community structures.
According to the President, the projects were aligned with Zimbabwe’s rural development agenda centred on investment, industrialisation, development and transformation.
“I am personally aware of numerous plans he had for our Nation and our people, principally the less privileged ones and our war veterans, whose social condition he diligently worked to ameliorate,” President Mnangagwa said.
The President extended his condolences to the Chivayo family and the families of the other victims, saying the nation stood with them during their bereavement.
“We mourn with and stand by them in this hour of deep, inconsolable grief and pain,” he said.
He said the deceased would be remembered for their contributions to the country and expressed hope that their work would continue to inspire others.
“May their dear souls be rested eternally,” he said.
