HIS Majesty King Mswati III has described the late Zimbabwean businessman Sir Wicknell Chivayo as a bright star who had the potential to transform the SADC region and the African continent.
Their Majesties sent a seven-member delegation, led by Manzini Regional Administrator Chief Gija, Minister of Public Service Mabulala Maseko, pastors and businesspeople, to represent them at Chivayo’s funeral at Sahwira Glen Forest Memorial Park in Harare yesterday.
In remarks broadcast live by KKTV, Chief Gija said Their Majesties were deeply saddened by Chivayo’s death, particularly because he had died at a young age when much was still expected of him. He said Their Majesties during their interactions with Chivayo had seen a man with the potential to make a significant contribution to the region and the continent.
“They saw in him a bright star, ready to illuminate the SADC region and the entire African continent. They saw him as a true son of the African soil,” Chief Gija said.
According to the RA, Their Majesties viewed Chivayo as a young man with the potential to transform lives and contribute to Africa’s development. He said the late businessman had regularly visited Eswatini and shared his business knowledge with people there, describing him as someone who had made an impression on those he interacted with. “He was a regular visitor and a person who used to come and teach us about business,” Chief Gija said.
The delegation conveyed condolences to Chivayo’s family, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the people of Zimbabwe, his friends and colleagues, as well as those in Eswatini who had known and worked with him.
Chief Gija said Their Majesties also prayed that the businessman’s vision for Africa would continue beyond his death.
“May the Lord of the heavens allow his soul to rest peacefully in heaven. May the spirit and vision he had for Africa and the world thrive on,” he said.
As the Eswatini delegation concluded its tribute, Chief Gija led mourners in a final traditional salute to the late businessman.
“Bayethe! Wena Waphakathi!” he said.
The tribute came as thousands of mourners gathered to bid farewell to the businessman, whose death has generated widespread attention across Zimbabwe and the region.
Chivayo, 43, died on September 30 when the Bell 430 helicopter he was travelling in crashed near Marondera while returning to Harare from his rural home in Gandami. His wife, Lucy ‘Lulu’ Muteke, pilots Captain Calvin Tafirei Soda and Captain Courage Mutavirwa and security aide Senelisiwe Magagula also died in the crash.
The bodies were severely burned and required DNA identification, with the family subsequently announcing that there would be no body viewing.
Chivayo was buried at Sahwira Glen Forest Memorial Park in Harare’s Royal Estate section, where his coffin, marked WMC 777 and draped in the Zimbabwean flag, was taken for burial alongside that of his wife.
His death has prompted tributes from senior political figures and prominent personalities across the region.
President Mnangagwa conferred provincial hero status on Chivayo, while describing him as a friend with whom he had discussed plans for the country and the less privileged.
Kenyan President William Ruto and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan were also among regional leaders who expressed condolences.
Chivayo was a high-profile and polarising figure in Zimbabwean public life.
He became widely known for his flamboyant lifestyle, displays of wealth and philanthropy, including gifts of luxury vehicles and cash to musicians, politicians, churches and other beneficiaries.
However, his business career was also accompanied by controversy and scrutiny.
His company, Intratrek Zimbabwe, was linked to the stalled US$170 million Gwanda solar project, while his business dealings and alleged financial transactions attracted scrutiny over the years.
