Updated: October 1, 2026
The sudden death of Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo in a helicopter crash on September 30, 2026, near Marondera has left many asking the same question: what about his children? As details continue to emerge, one clear piece of relief stands out. His two young children were not on board the aircraft that claimed his life along with his wife Lucy Muteke and four others.
Chivayo, often called Sir Wicknell, built a high-profile reputation through business deals, philanthropy, and a very public lifestyle. Behind the headlines, however, stood a father of two. Here is a clear, up-to-date look at Wicknell Chivayo’s children, their background, and the arrangements that shaped their lives.
Table of Contents
Who Are Wicknell Chivayo’s Children?
Wicknell Chivayo and his former partner Sonja Madzikanda share two children. Their son, John Chenjera Chivayo, was born in January 2018. Their daughter, Atarah Minana Chivayo, arrived in March 2019. At the time of their father’s death, the boy was eight and the girl was seven.
These are the only children publicly confirmed as Chivayo’s. Reliable reports, including court records and family statements, consistently refer to these two minors. Early social media speculation about additional children has not been backed by credible sources.
Both children primarily lived with their mother after the parents’ separation. Chivayo maintained financial support and, following court intervention, regular access rights.
The Custody and Maintenance Arrangement
The relationship between Chivayo and Madzikanda ended amid public legal disputes. In early 2026, the High Court in Harare finalised a consent order that settled the children’s living and financial arrangements.
Key points from the court order included:
- Primary residence with Sonja Madzikanda
- Chivayo granted weekend access from Friday after school until Sunday evening
- One uninterrupted week of access each school month
- Chivayo required to be personally present during access periods
- A US$5 million maintenance package for the children’s benefit
- Chivayo covering reasonable living expenses for the first 12 months while an investment portfolio was established
Neither parent could remove the children from Zimbabwe without the other’s consent. The arrangement aimed to give both parents meaningful involvement while prioritising stability for the minors.
Recent Public Gestures Toward the Children
Even amid legal tensions, Chivayo occasionally shared moments involving his kids. In September 2026, just days before the crash, he publicly gifted new iPhone 18 Pro Max devices to his children and 13 of their friends. The gesture, announced on his Instagram, reflected the generous, high-visibility style for which he was known.
Such acts kept the children occasionally in the public eye, though their mother largely shielded them from constant media attention. After the helicopter crash, multiple outlets confirmed the children were safely elsewhere and not among the six people on board.
Current Situation After the Helicopter Crash
Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed the deaths of Wicknell and Lucy Muteke. Reports from ZimLive and other Zimbabwean outlets quickly clarified that the two children from the earlier relationship were unharmed and not travelling with their father that day.
The children now face life without their father. Their mother retains primary care under the existing court order. The substantial maintenance settlement provides a financial foundation, though the emotional impact of such a sudden loss remains the central concern for those close to the family. Detail Information Father Wicknell Munodaani Chivayo Mother Sonja Madzikanda Number of Children 2 Son’s Name and Birth John Chenjera Chivayo, January 2018 Daughter’s Name and Birth Atarah Minana Chivayo, March 2019 Primary Residence With mother Access Rights (pre-crash) Weekends + one week per school month Maintenance Settlement US$5 million Status After Crash Both children confirmed safe
Conclusion
Wicknell Chivayo’s children, John Chenjera and Atarah Minana, represent the private side of a very public life. Their father’s death on September 30, 2026, closed one chapter while opening a new one focused on their care and future. The court-approved arrangements, combined with the confirmed safety of both children, offer a measure of structure during a difficult time.
As the family continues to process the loss, the priority remains the well-being of these two young people. Public interest is understandable, yet respect for their privacy and stability matters most. For those following developments in Zimbabwean business and public life, accurate information helps separate fact from speculation.
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