Chivayo rescues ailing gukurahundi cover-up editor

BUSINESSMAN Mr Wicknell Chivayo has donated US$15 000 to help assist in the medical needs of veteran journalist and former Chronicle Editor, Geoff Nyarota.

Nyarota is arguably known for exposing the Willowgate Scandal in 1987, where corrupt cabinet ministers were buying discounted vehicles from the state owned Willowvale Motor Industries and then selling them at inflated prices.

He is also known for allegedly covering up the Gukurahundi Massacres that happened between 1983 and 1987 when the Fifth Brigade brutally crushed any resistance in the Matabeleland and Midlands provinces killing an estimated 20,000 civilians.

He was one of the editors of the Chronicle  newspaper and is accused by critics of writing propaganda and dismissing the Gukurahundi genocide stories that were run by foreign and private media between 1983 and 1987.

Nyarota, who has served as the editor of Manica Post, The Chronicle, Financial Gazette, Daily News, and The Zimbabwe Times, has a history of seeking medical treatment in South Africa, but the situation has grown more dire. He now faces the overwhelming challenge of managing multiple health issues at once, with private medical care proving to be out of reach due to prohibitive costs, and Zimbabwe's public healthcare system lacking the necessary equipment for his treatment.

In a statement released yesterday morning, Mr. Chivayo expressed his decision to offer assistance to veteran journalist Geoff Nyarota, despite his usual reservations about journalists, particularly those he believes engage in blackmail or malicious reporting for personal gain.

"Honestly speaking, I have never been, I am not, and will never be a fan of journalists, especially those who thrive on blackmail or malicious reporting to further selfish or personal agendas. However, after careful reflection and consideration, I have chosen to make an exception in the case of Geoff Nyarota," Mr. Chivayo said.

Acknowledging their differences in opinion and political affiliations, Mr. Chivayo recognized Nyarota's significant contribution to journalism, highlighting his remarkable career that has earned the respect of his peers.

"Please inform his wife that the US$15,000 required for his medical expenses can be collected from my lawyer, Skhumbuzo Mpofu, at Munangati and Associates Legal Practitioners," he stated.

He emphasized that this was a time for compassion, not for using Nyarota's health struggles as a platform to attack the government or promote divisive opinions.

"This is a time for compassion, not for exploiting Geoff's desperate health condition to further political agendas," Mr. Chivayo said.

The businessman also pointed out the substantial progress made by the Second Republic in healthcare, noting the installation of over 120 dialysis machines and numerous chemotherapy machines in public and referral hospitals.

"These efforts are a testament to the progress being made in improving healthcare for all Zimbabweans. While challenges remain, we should focus on constructive solutions instead of using a person's suffering for political gain," he added.

Mr. Chivayo concluded by urging that humanity should take precedence over politics and personal views.

"Let us remember that beyond politics and personal opinions, we are all human beings and one big family in the eyes of the Almighty God, and we must support one another in times of need," he said.

He also wished Nyarota a speedy recovery.