Chivhayo pledges US$2 million to families of fallen national heroes for Mnangagwa’s birthday

HARARE — Businessman Wicknell Chivhayo has pledged US$2 million to support the families of 40 fallen national heroes as part of a birthday tribute to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who turns 84.


Chivhayo said the donation, amounting to US$50,000 per family, was intended to honour the President while assisting families whose relatives contributed to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and national development. He initially planned to support 30 verified families but later added 10 more, bringing the total to 40.

Among the named beneficiaries are the families of former Vice Presidents Joshua Nkomo, Simon Muzenda, Joseph Msika and John Landa Nkomo. The list also includes families of former Air Chief Marshal Josiah Tungamirai, Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo, Sekuru Fox Sheba Gava, General Rex Nhongo, Cde Tshinga Dube and former Air Chief Marshal Perence Shiri. The remaining families will be identified and verified before disbursement.

Chivhayo said payment would be subject to confirming surviving spouses or children of the respective national heroes. He added that he had deliberately chosen to direct his birthday gesture towards families of departed liberation and national figures rather than giving Mnangagwa a personal gift. He praised Mnangagwa’s liberation credentials and leadership under the Government’s Vision 2030 agenda.

Mnangagwa’s 84th birthday has generated contrasting reactions, highlighting deep political divisions over his presidency and legacy. In his own message, Mnangagwa thanked God, his family, ZANU PF and Zimbabweans for their support, urging citizens to create wealth through legitimate means and warning against corruption and drug abuse. “Let us make money, but let us not steal. Let us build, but let us not destroy,” he said.

Chivhayo’s pledge adds a substantial financial dimension to the celebrations and is likely to attract scrutiny over the role of wealthy individuals in politically significant donations, particularly where contributions are linked to senior political figures.

The donation follows a sharply critical birthday message from human‑rights and political activist Nanette Allmark, who challenged Mnangagwa to reflect on his legacy since assuming power in 2017. Allmark accused the President of failing to meet expectations created by the political transition and criticised Government over economic hardship, public services, demolitions, elections and unresolved human‑rights concerns. She described the 2023 election as “the most fraudulent election in SADC history”.

The competing messages place Mnangagwa’s birthday at the centre of a wider national conversation about his leadership. Supporters emphasise liberation credentials, development and Vision 2030, while critics continue to question governance, economic conditions, electoral credibility and accountability.

Chivhayo did not indicate when the remaining families would receive the funds, saying verification would precede disbursement. The pledge therefore remains subject to completion of the beneficiary identification process.

This development feeds into broader debates around politically linked philanthropy and liberation‑history commemoration.