Wicknell Chivayo did not call himself Mukuru Wemazuva, says uncle

Wicknell Chivayo did not give himself the nickname “Mukuru Wemazuva” and never considered himself divine, his uncle Naison has said.

Mukuru Wemazuva, meaning the “Ancient of Days”, is a sacred title for God. Chivayo had been criticised and accused of blasphemy for being called by the name.

Speaking at a funeral service at Chivayo’s Gletwyn home ahead of burial on Thursday, 8 October, Naison said the businessman was given several nicknames over the years.

“We gave him the nickname ‘Mhitsa’ because of his body. But then he was given another one called ‘Bigger Preacher’ due to his philanthropic work,” he said.

He said Chivayo had asked him to explain the meaning of Mukuru Wemazuva.

“People gave him the name ‘Mukuru Wemazuva’ because they said we have seen the greatness of God through your generosity. The way he gave to people, including strangers, was God-sent; that’s what they said,” he said.

“I must say Wicknell never gave himself the name nor did he see himself as God, but people gave him this name because he was acting in his likeness.”

Another uncle, Wicknell Munodaani Chivayo Senior, who is brother to Wicknell’s father, said Chivayo grew up in Selous and attended Dudley Hall.

“Growing up, he was everyone’s friend, always jovial and joking with people,” he said. *_-Pindula_*