HARARE — Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has donated US$2 million to the families of Zimbabwe’s fallen national heroes, with 40 families set to receive US$50,000 each in a birthday tribute to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Chivayo announced the donation in a message celebrating Mnangagwa’s 84th birthday, saying he had chosen to honour the President by supporting the families of men and women whose sacrifices contributed to Zimbabwe’s liberation and national development.

The beneficiaries include families of prominent liberation war figures, senior government officials and military commanders who served the country before their deaths.

Among those named by Chivayo are the late Vice-President John Landa Nkomo, Air Chief Marshal Josiah Tungamirai, Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo, Sekuru Fox Sheba Gava, Vice-President Joshua Nkomo, Vice-President Simon Muzenda, Vice-President Msika, General Rex Nhongo, Cde Tshinga Dube and Air Chief Marshal Perence Shiri.

Chivayo said each of the 40 families would receive US$50,000, bringing the total value of the donation to US$2 million.

“That will bring the final number to 40 FAMILIES OF FALLEN NATIONAL HEROES, each receiving US$50,000, making my TOTAL BIRTHDAY DONATION for you to US$2 MILLION,” he wrote.

The businessman said the donation was intended to support the surviving spouses and children of the deceased heroes, subject to the identification and verification of eligible beneficiaries.

“The intention is very simple: this money must assist with the UPKEEP, WELFARE AND CONTINUED PRESERVATION OF THE LEGACY of those great sons and daughters of Zimbabwe who served their country with distinction,” Chivayo said.

He said the gesture was a tribute to Mnangagwa’s commitment to the country’s liberation history and the people who sacrificed their lives for Zimbabwe.

“After careful consideration, I realised that one of the greatest gifts I could give you is not necessarily something for YOU personally, but something that honours the MEN AND WOMEN whose sacrifice helped deliver the Zimbabwe we enjoy today,” he wrote.

Chivayo added that supporting the families of the fallen heroes would be more meaningful than giving the President an expensive personal gift.

“I am convinced, Your Excellency, that knowing the families and children of your departed comrades are being remembered and supported will bring you far greater happiness than any expensive personal birthday present ever could,” he said.

He also called for the sacrifices and contributions of the deceased heroes to be remembered by future generations.

“These HEROES may have departed, but their SACRIFICES, THEIR NAMES AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO ZIMBABWE MUST NEVER BE FORGOTTEN,” Chivayo wrote.

The donation comes as Chivayo paid tribute to Mnangagwa’s leadership and Vision 2030 agenda, wishing the President good health and many more years in office.