By Elvis Dumba
In an unexpected act of kindness, Zimbabwean business tycoon and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo has come to the aid of Eunice Dembo, the widow of legendary musician Leonard Dembo, with a generous US$50,000 donation and a brand-new Toyota Fortuner.
This came in response to an emotional plea for help from Mrs Dembo, who had shared her struggles on social media, revealing that she was living in extreme poverty after the death of her husband.
The Dembo family’s plight had been exacerbated by the fact that Gramma Records, the label that represented Leonard Dembo, had failed to remit any royalties to the widow.
In addition, Eunice disclosed that the house left to her by her late husband had accumulated nearly US$5,000 in arrears over the years, leaving her feeling abandoned and forgotten.
Touched by her situation, Chivayo took to his social media on National Youth Day, announcing his substantial donation to help Mrs Dembo and her family.
“In the spirit of empowerment, I was deeply moved by Mrs. Eunice Dembo’s online plea for financial support,” Chivayo wrote.
“Despite Leonard Dembo’s legacy, his family has not been able to benefit from his immense contribution to Zimbabwean music. It’s heartbreaking that someone as iconic as Dembo, whose music became anthems at weddings and events around the world, hasn’t been able to provide for his own.”
Chivayo continued: “In the spirit of Youth Day, a day to celebrate empowerment and supporting each other, I have arranged for Mrs. Dembo to receive a fully paid-for 2024 Toyota Fortuner 4×4 automatic from Exquisite Car Sales, as well as US$50,000 in cash to start a business of her choice, providing financial stability for her family.”
But Chivayo didn’t stop there. Recognizing the efforts of Dembo’s children, he also made sure to extend his support to them.
“Tendai, Morgan, and Fenestia Dembo, your father’s legacy lives on through you. As part of the celebration of Youth Day, I’m happy to announce that each of you will receive a Toyota Aqua from Enterprise Car Sales,” Chivayo said.
This generous gesture was not without notice. Chivayo has a reputation for gifting high-end vehicles to Zimbabwean artists, sparking curiosity among many about the source of his wealth. However, his philanthropy continues to make a significant impact in the lives of those he supports.
In a parallel vein, Presidential Investment Special Advisor Dr Paul Tungwarara, often called “Chivayo Lite,” has also been making waves in supporting Zimbabwean artists.
Recently, he funded a Presidential Borehole Scheme for war veterans and contributed high-tech smartphones and appearance fees for artists, furthering his reputation as a benefactor of Zimbabwean talent.
As Chivayo continues to enrich the lives of those around him, the Dembo family, now empowered by his generosity, can look forward to a brighter future.
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