Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube | Zim GBC News
HARARE – Controversial businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo has found himself at the center of a social media storm after publicly announcing a massive condolence package to a bereaved family, a move many traditionalists and mourners have labelled a breach of African mourning etiquette.
In a lengthy statement addressed to “brother Ronald,” Chivayo expressed profound gratitude to First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa, whom he hailed as the “Mother of the Nation” for visiting the grieving family. He also acknowledged Transport Minister Felix Mhona for his personal condolences.
However, it was the announcement of the gift itself that drew sharp criticism. Chivayo declared:
“I say to my dear brother Ronald, please GO AND SEE VICTOR at Exquisite Car Dealership and collect a brand spanking new 2026 Toyota Fortuner 2,8GD6 valued at USD 80,000. You will also receive CHEMA of US $50,000 in cash… This is all from the bottom of my heart.”
While the value of the gift—totalling US$130,000—is undeniable, critics argue the public nature of the pledge violates the sacred, private spirit of chema (funeral tribute).
‘You Don’t Tell the Whole World’
An elder from Chivhu, speaking to Zim GBC News, lambasted the businessman’s approach, stating that genuine consolation does not require a public address.
“Chema haishedzerwe. You don’t have to tell the whole world of your contribution toward the funeral. The young man is still mourning his family, for crying out loud!,” the elder said.
Another observer added in a viral social media comment:
“Momboitawo nyadzi vakuru, vanhu vachati kuromba kauku. Ingadai mamborega taita manyaradzo.”
(“You have to be ashamed, elder. People will call this bewitching. Couldn’t you wait until it was manyaradzo?”)
Social Media Reactions: ‘Offside Goal’
As screenshots of Chivayo’s message circulated, Zimbabweans flooded social media platforms with mixed reactions. While some praised the gesture as generous, the majority questioned the timing and publicity.
One user wrote: “Haaaa zvekupenga izvo vogomuka here vana” (“This is madness—will the dead rise?”), questioning the logic of announcing such a large sum while a family is still in deep grief.
Another countered with biting sarcasm: “Saka akasapihwa vachamuka here?” (“So if he hadn’t been given the car, would the deceased come back to life?”)
Political commentator Tawanda Chirisa noted that Chivayo “scored an offside goal,” arguing that true Ubuntu is quiet and respectful, not performative.
Chivayo’s Defense: ‘A Token of Love’
In his message, Chivayo appeared to anticipate the backlash, stating he acted “without any desire for recognition or attention, but purely as a token of love in our African tradition yekupa CHEMA.”
He added that he felt “duty-bound, as your brother and as a patriotic Zimbabwean who understands loss” to extend the support.
Despite his disclaimer, many feel the public declaration overshadowed the kindness of the act itself, turning a private moment of sorrow into a national spectacle.
A Painful Lesson in Grief Etiquette
Cultural experts note that while generosity is welcome, mourning in Zimbabwean tradition demands humility and privacy. The focus, they say, should remain on comforting the bereaved—not on the giver.
As one Facebook user summed it up: “The hand that gives should not let the other hand know what it is doing. This is not a press conference. It is a funeral.”
For more updates on this developing story and other national news, follow Zim GBC News on all platforms:
· X (Twitter): @ZimGbc
· Instagram: @ZimGBCNews
· TikTok: @ZimGBCNews_01
· Facebook: Zim GBC News
· YouTube: Zim GBC News
Get real-time alerts on WhatsApp:
+263 773 820 323
For in-depth coverage, visit our website:
www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
Zim GBC News | Global News From An African Perspective©2026