Chivayo donates car, $20,000 to hero diver

Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has pledged a Toyota Aqua and US$20,000 in cash to Victor Kazembe, the diver widely praised for recovering three bodies from a sewer pond in Budiriro earlier this week.

Chivayo announced the reward on social media after receiving numerous appeals from followers urging him to recognise Kazembe's actions.

"I've heard your cries, although I don't like people who run ahead of me," Chivayo wrote on Facebook.

"Please always give me time and allow me to also understand the background and get an appreciation of what whoever has done and if at all he deserves my recognition."

Kazembe, who is also known as Coach Rambo, has been hailed by many Zimbabweans for his bravery after entering the sludge-filled pond to retrieve the bodies.

According to Chivayo, he was particularly moved by Kazembe's explanation of what motivated him to undertake the dangerous task.

"When I heard him speak about the spirits of the dead, I didn't even end up watching the rest of the video," Chivayo wrote.

The businessman directed Kazembe to collect the vehicle and cash reward from a Harare-based car dealership on Saturday morning.

"I say to you congratulations, my brother, for such bravery, courage and amazing love," Chivayo said.

"God bless you – we need more patriotic Zimbabweans like you."

Kazembe described his actions as a sacrifice, noting that entering a mud-filled pond under such conditions was neither easy nor advisable.

The gesture is the latest in a long list of high-profile donations by Chivayo, who has become known for awarding vehicles, cash and other gifts to individuals from various sectors, including musicians, athletes, politicians, social media personalities and community figures.

While many of his donations have attracted public attention and debate, his recognition of ordinary citizens who perform extraordinary acts often draws widespread praise.

Kazembe's actions have been widely commended on social media, with many Zimbabweans describing his willingness to risk his own safety to recover the bodies as an act of courage and selflessness.

The reward comes amid continued public recognition of individuals who demonstrate exceptional service to their communities, often under difficult and dangerous circumstances.