Wicknell Chivayo Granted Provincial Hero Status
Late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has been granted Provincial Hero status following his death in a helicopter crash, with the announcement made on Friday, 2 October 2026.
According to ZBC News, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Tino Machakaire announced that President Emmerson Mnangagwa had conferred the honour on Chivayo.
The announcement comes two days after Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, died when their helicopter crashed in the Marondera area on Wednesday, 30 September.
Tino Machakaire announces latest honour
Machakaire has been among the officials publicly mourning Chivayo following the crash.
In a condolence message published on 1 October, he described the incident as a devastating loss.
“I write this with a deeply broken heart following the tragic loss of five precious lives aboard the Bell 430 helicopter flight from Chikomba to Harare,” Machakaire said.
He added: “It is difficult to find words for a tragedy of this magnitude. They left their loved ones never knowing that it would be their final journey.”
Machakaire also named Chivayo, Muteke, Senelisiwe Magagula, Captain Kelvin T Soda and Captain Courage Mutavirwa among those who died.
Mourning continues after helicopter crash
Chivayo’s death has prompted tributes from political figures, church leaders, business associates and members of communities he supported.
On Thursday night, mourners gathered at the family’s Borrowdale home in Harare as relatives and friends began paying their respects.
President Mnangagwa confirmed Chivayo’s death on 1 October, describing him as a prominent businessman and philanthropist. The helicopter crash remains under investigation.
The Provincial Hero status now forms part of the official tributes following the death of the businessman, whose public profile extended beyond his commercial interests through his philanthropic activities and high-profile relationships.
The post Wicknell Chivayo Declared Provincial Hero By Mnangagwa appeared first on iHarare News.
