Chivayo Pledges US$1 Million for Repatriation of Zimbabweans in South Africa
Businessman Wicknell Chivayo says he will mobilise and donate US$1 million to assist in the repatriation of Zimbabweans reportedly stranded in South Africa.
Dumisani Ndlovu 
Harare – Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has announced that he intends to mobilise and donate US$1 million to support the repatriation of Zimbabwean nationals reportedly stranded in South Africa following what he described as instructions from President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In a lengthy Facebook post published on Sunday, July 5, Chivayo said he paid a courtesy visit to President Mnangagwa after returning from business engagements in Dubai.
Chivayo says President Mnangagwa expressed concern over the plight of Zimbabweans who are allegedly stranded in South Africa, particularly those reportedly camped at the Zimbabwean Embassy.
Chivayo said the President, whom he described as "the father to all Zimbabweans," spoke with empathy about the hardships facing affected citizens.
Chivayo claimed that during their meeting, President Mnangagwa instructed him to immediately contribute US$1 million towards facilitating the urgent repatriation of Zimbabweans unable to return home.
He said he requested 24 hours to raise the money, explaining that he would seek financial assistance from business associates, friends, relatives and, if necessary, commercial banks.
Chivayo added that he had undertaken to make the funds available to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade by 8am on Monday, July 6.
"I will try my best to mobilise the funds through every lawful means available to me," Chivayo wrote, adding that he was praying the full amount would be secured within the stipulated time.
The businessman further said President Mnangagwa appealed to Zimbabweans affected by developments in South Africa to return home and contribute to national development under the slogan, "Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo" (A country is built by its own people).
Chivayo also called on Zimbabwe's business community to support government efforts during national emergencies, arguing that the private sector has a patriotic responsibility to complement public resources.
He said that if the US$1 million proved insufficient, he would continue mobilising additional resources until all affected Zimbabweans could be assisted.
The Facebook post praised the Second Republic's "Leaving No One and No Place Behind" policy and reaffirmed support for the government's Vision 2030 development agenda.
As of the time of publication, there had been no official statement from the Office of the President and Cabinet or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade confirming the reported directive or providing details of any government-led repatriation programme linked to Chivayo's announcement.
