The companies founded by late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo have spoken publicly following his death, mourning the entrepreneur as a visionary leader while pledging to preserve the business empire he built.
Chivayo, who was widely known for his flamboyant lifestyle, high-profile friendships and involvement in major infrastructure and energy projects, died alongside his wife, Lucy Muteke, after a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe on September 30, 2026.
His death sparked widespread reactions across Zimbabwe and beyond, with tributes coming from business associates, political figures, friends and members of the public.
However, the tragedy also generated public mockery and harsh reactions on social media, with some users revisiting controversies surrounding Chivayo’s wealth and public displays of luxury.
Against that backdrop, companies associated with the businessman issued a joint statement highlighting the contribution they believe he made to their organisations.
Chivayo’s companies mourn founder
The statement was issued in the name of companies including Intratrek Zimbabwe, IMC Communications, IMC Construction and WMC 777 Airways.
The businesses described Chivayo as their founder, visionary leader and a source of strength, saying his death had left them deeply saddened.
In their message, the companies said Chivayo’s life was characterised by hard work, integrity, innovation and service.
They added that the principles associated with his leadership would continue guiding the organisations and future generations.
The companies concluded their tribute by extending condolences to Chivayo’s family, employees, business partners and everyone who had been touched by his work.
A close associate, Shamase, also mourned the businessman, describing his leadership and vision as influential to both the companies and people around him.
The associate said Chivayo’s legacy would continue through the businesses he established and the people he inspired.
Intratrek and the Gwanda Solar Project
Among the companies most closely associated with Chivayo was Intratrek Zimbabwe, an engineering and construction company whose name became prominent through the long-running Gwanda Solar Project.
Intratrek was awarded the contract to develop a 100-megawatt solar power plant in Gwanda.
The project subsequently became entangled in years of disputes and legal proceedings.
In September 2026, shortly before Chivayo’s death, Zimbabwe Power Company formally authorised Intratrek to resume implementation of the project.
Under the revised arrangement, the project was expected to be completed within 24 months, while its cost was renegotiated from the original figure of about US$172 million to less than US$132 million.
The development had been viewed as an important moment for Intratrek because it represented an opportunity to revive a project that had remained stalled for years.
Chivayo’s business empire
Chivayo’s commercial interests extended beyond the energy sector, with his businesses involved in construction, communications, aviation and other ventures.
His public profile grew significantly because of his highly visible lifestyle.
He regularly posted images and videos of luxury vehicles, expensive purchases and gifts to musicians, religious leaders, friends and other personalities.
His wealth and connections also made him a subject of intense public discussion.
According to reports, he had cultivated relationships with several prominent political figures across Africa, including Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Kenyan President William Ruto.
Despite the controversies surrounding his public persona and business dealings, Chivayo maintained that his success was based on business, faith and determination.
Death sends shockwaves across Zimbabwe
Chivayo and his wife died when their helicopter crashed in the Marondera area, southeast of Harare.
Authorities said the aircraft went down at around 5pm, with initial reports indicating that six people were aboard.
Officials later began the process of formally identifying the victims as investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe said preliminary information indicated that the helicopter’s tail struck the ground before fuel spilled and a fire followed.
Investigations into the cause of the crash remain ongoing.
Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed the deaths and said the family was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
What happens to Chivayo’s businesses?
The death of the businessman has inevitably raised questions about the future of the companies he founded and the projects associated with them.
Intratrek’s renewed involvement in the Gwanda Solar Project came only weeks before his death, meaning the company was entering a significant phase of implementation when its founder died.
The project is a major undertaking involving Zimbabwe’s power sector, and its future will depend on the company’s management structures, contractual arrangements and the authorities overseeing the development.
Other business ventures associated with Chivayo could similarly face a period of transition as his associates and corporate leadership determine how operations will continue.
For now, his companies have made it clear that they intend to carry forward the values they associate with their founder.
Their statement came at a time when Chivayo’s death continued to generate intense debate, with his supporters remembering his generosity and entrepreneurial achievements while critics revisited the controversies that followed his rise to prominence.
Whatever the differing public reactions, Chivayo leaves behind a business network whose future will now unfold without the entrepreneur who built it at the centre.
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