by Gideon Madzikatidze/Simbarashe Sithole
HARARE – People from various walks of life in Zimbabwe are calling on businessman, Wicknell Chivhayo, to acknowledge the charitable efforts of Sekuru Banda, whose ongoing work to uplift disadvantaged communities has touched many lives.
The appeal follows Sekuru Banda’s latest philanthropic act in Marondera, where he donated food hampers valued at US$10,000 to struggling families in the Cherima and Dombotombo suburbs.
Beneficiaries praised Sekuru Banda’s generosity, describing him as a compassionate figure who helps people irrespective of their religion, politics, or background.
“Sekuru Banda has a heart of gold. He helps people from all walks of life, regardless of religion, politics, or background. To him, everyone is equal before God,” said one of the beneficiaries, James Maposa.
Another recipient, Tawanda Moyo, highlighted that the hampers contained essential goods such as rice, sugar, beans, maize meal, cooking oil, salt, and soap.
Sekuru Banda’s charitable history includes supporting artists during COVID‑19 lockdowns, building a six‑roomed house for the late comedian Marabha in Epworth, providing groceries and medical aid to the late football legend George Shaya, and offering sanitary wear to disadvantaged schoolgirls in rural communities. He has also assisted figures like musician Paradzai Mesi, boxer Mosquito and socialite, Lady Squander.
The call for Wicknell’s recognition comes amid controversy surrounding the businessman’s cash and car handouts, which some perceive as a political move to silence critics of corruption and efforts to amend the Constitution to allow President ED Mnangagwa to extend his term beyond 2028.