Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – Socialite and businessman Wicknell Chivayo has gifted US$5,000 to a woman who was left out during his cash giveaway to airport staff on Christmas Day at Victoria Falls International Airport. The gesture, aimed at showing gratitude to workers on duty during the holiday, led to an unexpected incident that Chivayo later sought to rectify.
The Incident at the Airport
While boarding his private jet to Harare with his partner Lucy Muteke, Chivayo distributed US$100 notes to airport staff wearing green reflective vests. He described the cash handout as a token of appreciation for their commitment to working during the festive season.
However, the generous act attracted a crowd, including non-staff members. Among them was a woman dressed in a pink top and blue jeans, who was left out of the giveaway despite her desperate pleas. A video of the incident went viral, subjecting the woman to online ridicule and derogatory comments.
Chivayo’s Public Apology
Chivayo addressed the situation on social media, expressing regret over the woman’s exclusion and the public humiliation she endured.
“I decided to bless the STAFF wearing green reflective vests with USD100 each as a small token of appreciation,” he explained. “Unfortunately, this kind gesture was MISUNDERSTOOD, and other non-staff members began to join in, leading to the regrettable incident.”
He acknowledged the woman’s actions, stating, “I understand her actions. I would have done exactly the same thing if I saw a MILLIONAIRE giving money in that context.”
US$5,000 as a Gesture of Goodwill
To make amends, Chivayo offered the woman US$5,000 as compensation for the embarrassment caused by the incident. He encouraged her to contact his lawyer, Mr. Sikhumbuzo Mpofu of Munangate & Associates, to collect the cash.
“As a small gesture of my goodwill and token of apology, please URGENTLY contact my lawyer and collect USD5000 cash for the reputational damage this incident has caused,” Chivayo wrote.
Chivayo’s Perspective on the Incident
Chivayo used the incident to share a broader message of resilience, stating, “What may seem like a moment of HUMILIATION can become a point of BREAKTHROUGH. Certain trials often lead to triumphs and greater opportunities.”
He also apologized to the woman’s family and husband, if she is married, for the distress caused by the viral incident.
Public Reaction
The story has sparked mixed reactions on social media. Many have praised Chivayo for his generous gesture and willingness to rectify the situation, while others criticized the initial distribution process.
One commenter wrote, “It’s rare to see someone own up to their mistakes and go above and beyond to make things right. Kudos to Wicknell for this act of kindness.”
Another added, “This situation could have been avoided with better planning, but at least he made it right.”
Chivayo’s Ongoing Philanthropy
Known for his flamboyant lifestyle and acts of generosity, Chivayo has become a controversial figure in Zimbabwe. His Christmas cash giveaway was another example of his larger-than-life persona, though this incident underscores the importance of thoughtful execution in public gestures.
