A NATION MOURNS: President Mnangagwa, Ministers, and Mourners Gather in Gletwin for Late Wicknell Chivayo and Wife Lucy Muteke

Reported By: National Affairs & Governance Desk | Venue: Chivayo Residence, Gletwin, Harare
State Honour: Provincial Hero Status Bestowed | Live Update: Saturday, 3 October 2026

In an extraordinary and sombre show of national solidarity, President Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, senior Government ministers, service chiefs, business leaders, and thousands of mourners gathered at the Gletwin residence in Harare to pay their final respects to the late businessman and philanthropist Sir Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke.

President Mnangagwa, ministers, and mourners gather at Gletwin residence for late Wicknell Chivayo and wife Lucy Muteke

STATE AND NATION CONVERGE: President Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa joins the bereaved Chivayo and Muteke families, government ministers, and citizens at the Gletwin estate to honour the late Provincial Hero and his wife following the tragic Marondera helicopter accident.

Provincial Hero Status Confirmed by the Head of State The gathering was marked by the formal conferment of Provincial Hero status on Mr. Chivayo by President Mnangagwa, citing his extensive charitable works, empowerment initiatives, and transformative contributions to Zimbabwean society.

The presence of the country's highest leadership alongside grassroots citizens, musicians, and thousands of white-garment apostolic congregants underscores the unprecedented public footprint left behind by the couple.

The Gletwin Wake: Convergence of State, Church, and Citizens

From early morning to the late hours of the night, the Chivayo residence has become the epicentre of national mourning as thousands travel from across the country to pay homage.

President Mnangagwa arrived at the Gletwin residence accompanied by Cabinet ministers, ruling party Politburo members, and senior government executives. The solemn visit underscored the close personal and official relationship Chivayo shared with national leadership.

Massive Apostolic and Church Presence Thousands of congregants from the Johane Masowe apostolic sect, of which Chivayo was a devoted and generous member, have pitched camp around the estate. Clad in white garments, they have kept continuous prayer vigils, singing traditional sacred choruses in honour of the departed couple.

Artists, Sports Legends, and Beneficiaries Dozens of celebrated musicians, sports personalities, and comedians who were gifted luxury vehicles and monetary grants by Chivayo in his recent $32.2 million philanthropic wave stood among mourners, paying solemn tribute to their patron.

The Dual Tragedy: Remembering Lucy Muteke

Beyond Chivayo's high-profile persona, speakers and mourners reflected deeply on the heartbreaking loss of his wife, Lucy Muteke, who died alongside him in the Marondera air disaster.

A Pillar of Family and Devotion Relatives and close friends described Lucy Muteke as a graceful, gentle, and steadfast pillar who stood loyally beside her husband through his meteoric rise, maintaining warmth and generosity within their home.

Two Families Bound in Unbearable Grief The Chivayo and Muteke families received condolences side-by-side at Gletwin, supported by state counsellors, church elders, and community leaders as they navigate the devastating loss of two pillars simultaneously.

The President Speaks: “I Am in Deep Pain”

In moving remarks delivered at the wake, President Mnangagwa reflected on his candid relationship with Chivayo and the profound shock of his sudden death:

“This was God’s will. I am in deep pain. He was my friend, and he would openly talk to me. But we didn’t know his time had come. Even here among us, we don’t know who is next,” the President told mourners.

Explaining the conferment of Provincial Hero status, President Mnangagwa reiterated that the recognition was directly earned through tangible impact:

“As a party, we have accorded him Provincial Hero status. You do not just get this status; you get it because of your work. So, we saw it befitting to accord him this status.”

State-Assisted Rites and Final Journey

State Protocols Officially Activated Following the Provincial Hero conferment, the Government of Zimbabwe has officially activated State-Assisted funeral protocols. Government logistics teams and the Ministry of Home Affairs are working closely with the family on burial logistics and security.

As final funeral arrangements are finalized in consultation with the family elders, the nation continues to reflect on the legacy of a man who commanded the public spotlight in life, and in death, brought together the highest offices of the land in unified grief.

NATIONAL TRIBUTE WALL | CONDOLENCES

Rest in Peace, Sir Wicknell & Lucy Muteke

Our heartfelt prayers and condolences remain with the Chivayo and Muteke families, their children, and all who mourn this tragic loss.

May their souls rest in eternal peace.

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