Tazvi Mhaka, the close friend of late Zimbabwean businessman Sir Wicknell Chivayo, has broken his silence following the helicopter crash that claimed Chivayo’s life.
Mhaka shared a deeply personal tribute on October 2, 2026, remembering his friend as a man who lived boldly and gave everything he had to the people around him.
In the tribute, shared by DandaroOnline on X, Mhaka described Chivayo as an “African Giant” whose life was defined not only by his wealth but also by the people he helped and the opportunities he created.
Wicknell Chivayo remembered as a man who changed lives
Mhaka reflected on Chivayo’s 45 years and argued that the number of years someone lives does not necessarily determine the impact they leave behind.
He compared Chivayo’s life to that of people who live for a century but leave little behind, saying his friend managed to pack a lifetime of dreams, ambition and impact into fewer than five decades as reported by Briefly News.
Mhaka wrote that Chivayo “came, lived, gave and conquered”, adding that he would continue carrying his friend’s vision forward.
The tribute portrayed Chivayo as someone who had changed the game, raised standards and opened doors for others.
Mhaka also suggested that the people Chivayo touched during his lifetime would keep his memory alive.
Mhaka shares Shona message about death
The close friend also included the Shona proverb “Rufu Harusekanwi”, which means that death is an appointment that no person can escape.
He used the saying to reflect on the meaning of Chivayo’s life and the importance of what a person leaves behind rather than simply how long they live.
Mhaka’s message came shortly after Chivayo died in a helicopter crash in Marondera, Zimbabwe, alongside his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, and four other people.
The businessman was 45 years old.
Mhaka’s message has since attracted significant attention online as Zimbabweans continue to mourn Chivayo and discuss his life and legacy.
Social media users react to Chivayo tribute
The tribute generated mixed reactions online, reflecting the divided views surrounding Chivayo’s public image and legacy.
Some people joined Mhaka in mourning the businessman and recognising the impact he had on those around him.
Others, however, questioned whether descriptions such as “conquered” accurately reflected Chivayo’s life. One user, @VaxInjuredMe, wrote:
“Deno aive arimowo muchi ndenge. [He was always living in a different world]. He doesn’t deserve our audience!”
Another user, @tmmuchanyerei, challenged the tribute directly, writing:
“I beg to differ. What exactly did he conquer? What legacy?”
The user also reflected on Chivayo’s death, saying that although the manner of his death was not planned, they viewed it through their religious understanding of God’s will.
Meanwhile, @ossymassy23 asked:
“How did he die?”
Another user, @chipohazel1, responded with the words:
“Cry with hope.”
The reactions show the different ways Zimbabweans are processing Chivayo’s death, with some focusing on his generosity and influence while others remain critical of the controversies and questions that surrounded his public life.
As tributes continue to emerge, Mhaka’s message offers a close friend’s perspective on a businessman whose life, wealth and public image had made him one of Zimbabwe’s most recognizable figures.
