By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
HARARE — Ambassador Apphia Musavengana has added her voice to the national mourning for businessman Sir Wicknell Chivayo, describing him as family and recalling a friendship that survived rupture and repair.
Chivayo died on Wednesday night in a helicopter crash in rural Marondera alongside his wife Lucy Muteke and four others. The group was returning from Gandami in rural Chikomba, where they had been building family and community structures.
In a tribute posted online, Amb Musavengana said she was introduced to Chivayo through Honourable Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya, who brought her into a circle that included Chivayo, Mike Chimombe and the wider team.
“I knew Sir Wicknell through my brother Hon Scott. Under his care he introduced me to Sir Wicknell, Mukoma Mike and the whole team, so I was honoured to have all of them as my brothers,” she wrote.
A friendship tested and restored
Musavengana was candid about a rupture in the relationship. She recounted that a woman went to Chivayo with gossip suggesting she had taken a side in support of Mike Chimombe.
“He then blocked me. I didn’t know then what the reason was,” she wrote.
“As time went on the relationship was fixed, a few months ago. I got closer to all the brothers. Thanks to Godfather Dr Tagwirei.”
The reference to Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei — recently appointed Minister of Economic Development and Investment Promotion — suggests he played a role in repairing the relationship.
“Nothing material, but he supported my vision”
Amb Musavengana was careful to state that her relationship with Chivayo was not transactional.
“I didn’t get anything material or financial assistance from Sir, but I know he supported my visions. He knew I had a lot of support from all corners,” she wrote.
“He always used to send best wishes.”
“Politically, a family”
Her tribute also touched on Chivayo’s political role, describing him as someone who stood when it mattered.
“Today I mourn him deeply because he was politically a family. When it was needed, he stood, he fought side by side with others,” she wrote.
“He had respect for the President, the party and everyone who contributed to it.”
A final salute
She closed with a line that has become a refrain among those mourning the businessman.
“We lost one of us. Walk slowly Comrade.”
Wider mourning continues
Chivayo’s death has drawn tributes from across Zimbabwe’s political, business, sporting and religious life. President Emmerson Mnangagwa led the national response, describing the deaths as leaving the nation “numbed and in deep shock and grief.”
Kenyan President William Ruto, who described Chivayo as a dear friend, also extended condolences.
Musician Jah Prayzah and his wife Rufaro, whom Chivayo supported, have postponed their wedding scheduled for 3 October, citing the need to grieve with family.
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