‘Biggest gesture ever’: Wicknell Chivayo celebrates Mnangagwa’s birthday with R35m gift for fallen heroes

Businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo is making headlines after he celebrated Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s birthday with the ‘biggest gift ever’: an R35 million donation to fallen heroes who have been part of the liberation struggle.

Mnangagwa turns 84 on Munhumutapa Day

The Zimbabwean head of state turned 84 on 15 September – a day now observed as Munhumutapa Day.

Munhumutapa Day is an annual public holiday in Zimbabwe, celebrated to honour the country’s pre-colonial heritage and the President’s birthday.

Chivayo announces major donation to fallen heroes’ families

Joining a host of world leaders and several organisations worldwide, Wicknell Chivayo took to social media to celebrate President Mnangagwa’s birthday with a generous gesture that is already making headlines.

Part of his post reads, “Today, I join millions of Zimbabweans in wishing our PRESIDENT and my beloved FATHER, HIS EXCELLENCY CDE DR. EMMERSON DAMBUDZO MNANGAGWA, a very HAPPY and BLESSED 84TH BIRTHDAY.

In his now viral post, Chivayo also revealed that he would give $50 000 each to 40 families of fallen national heroes, bringing the total donation to R35 million.

Noting his big gesture, Wicknell Chivayo posted, “I know and have personally witnessed your ENDLESS LOVE, RESPECT and REVERENCE for our FALLEN NATIONAL HEROES and the liberation history of our country.

“I have therefore decided, in honour of your 84TH BIRTHDAY, to donate US$50 000 EACH TO 30 FAMILIES OF OUR FALLEN NATIONAL HEROES — spanning those who passed away during and following the LIBERATION STRUGGLE through to our more recently departed heroes, provided there is a clearly identified and verified surviving spouse and/or children.”

He also noted that 10 families should be included on the list, bringing the total to 40. The names might have been ‘close to his heart’, but Zimbabweans have given him a nod.

Some of the families included former vice presidents, thus the Nkomo, Msika and Muzenda families.

The intention is very simple: this money must assist with the upkeep, welfare, WELFARE AND CONTINUED PRESERVATION OF THE LEGACY of those great sons and daughters of Zimbabwe who served their country with distinction.

Mnangagwa’s birthday celebrations draw thousands

Thousands of Zimbabweans gathered in Mvurwi, Mashonaland Central Province, to celebrate the Munhumutapa celebrations, which were presided over by the president.

The president also presided over the groundbreaking ceremony of the Munhumutapa Housing Project for the youths.

A 259-hectare housing project was launched. Several government officials were in attendance, as was Wicknell Chivayo, who was among the esteemed guests at the event.

The Herald reports that the initial phase will deliver over 300 residential stands for the youth, with more than 2 000 stands targeted under the broader scheme.