Inside Chivayo’s will on how his billions in wealth will be distributed

The family of late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has broken its silence over the future of his vast estate, revealing what the controversial businessman reportedly told relatives he wanted to happen to his wealth after his death.

The revelation came as mourners continued to gather at Chivayo’s Harare mansion to pay their final respects to the businessman, who died in a helicopter crash alongside his wife, Lucy Muteke, and other passengers.

His sudden death has triggered an outpouring of grief across Zimbabwe, with condolences coming from friends, business associates, political figures and members of the public who followed his highly publicised lifestyle.

But beyond the grief, attention has increasingly turned to one major question: What will happen to Chivayo’s wealth?

The issue took centre stage on Friday, October 2, when family spokesperson and Chivayo’s uncle, Herbert Chivayo, addressed mourners gathered at the businessman’s Harare home.

Relatives, religious leaders, government officials, friends and other mourners had assembled at the residence as the family continued to come to terms with the loss.

According to reports, Herbert used the occasion to address questions surrounding Chivayo’s estate and, in particular, the future of his children.

He revealed that Chivayo had spoken openly during his lifetime about how he wanted his wealth handled if he died.

Herbert told mourners that the businessman had repeatedly made it clear that his children should remain at the centre of decisions concerning his accumulated wealth.

«“When he was alive, he would say, ‘Dad, if I die, ensure that my children get most of my wealth so that they will grow up to remember me,’” Herbert was quoted as saying.»

The statement offered an emotional glimpse into Chivayo’s wishes and immediately placed his children at the centre of discussions about his estate.

Herbert also appeared determined to put to rest speculation that members of the wider Chivayo family could become involved in a battle over the late businessman’s fortune.

He insisted that the family had no intention of fighting over Chivayo’s assets or attempting to claim what he had accumulated during his lifetime.

“We, the Chivayos, are not greedy to go after a late family member’s hard-earned wealth. These kids are the rightful beneficiaries of their father’s estate, and they will get everything,” he said.

His remarks are likely to attract significant attention given the scale of Chivayo’s publicly displayed wealth and the highly publicised lifestyle he enjoyed before his death.

The businessman frequently showcased luxury vehicles, expensive properties, private aircraft and lavish gifts, making his estate a subject of public curiosity following his death.

However, while the family has publicly stated what Chivayo wanted for his children, the actual distribution of his estate would ultimately depend on the applicable legal and succession arrangements, including whether there is a valid will and how his assets are legally held.

The tragedy has also placed renewed attention on the welfare of Chivayo’s children following the loss of both parents in the crash.

As relatives prepare to lay the couple to rest, the family says its immediate focus remains on mourning and supporting the children.

For now, Herbert’s remarks have provided the clearest indication from the family about how Chivayo reportedly viewed his legacy.

Rather than leaving his children to fight over his fortune, he is said to have wanted his wealth to become a lasting inheritance—one that would help his children remember their father long after he was gone.