Wicknell Chivayo has paid a condolence visit to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan following the death of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, Tanzania’s first First Gentleman.
The Zimbabwean businessman visited President Samia as she continues to mourn Ameir, who died on September 7, 2026.
The visit offered Chivayo an opportunity to personally convey his sympathies to the Tanzanian leader and her family following the loss.
In a message shared alongside the visit, Chivayo remembered the late Hafidh as a father figure, describing him as a man whose wisdom, kindness and love for his family left a lasting legacy.
“Baba Hafidh will forever be remembered as a great parent, a father figure, a man of wisdom and a gentle soul whose greatest legacy lives on through the family he loved and the lives he touched,” Chivayo said.
“He may have departed from our sight, but the lessons, memories and love he leaves behind will remain with us forever,” he added.
Chivayo also extended his condolences to President Samia, her children and the wider family, asking God to give them strength and comfort as they mourn.
“My thoughts and prayers remain with my mother, her excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan, her children and the entire family he leaves behind. May Almighty God grant them strength, comfort and peace as they mourn this tremendous loss,” he said.
Chivayo’s relationship with President Samia has become increasingly visible in recent months. The businessman has cultivated close ties with several African political leaders and has been particularly active in Tanzania, where he has held meetings with senior government officials.
His meeting with President Samia at State House in Dar es Salaam in June 2026 further highlighted the relationship between the two.
Chivayo has also expressed interest in investing heavily in Tanzania, signalling growing business interests in the country.
Beyond business, Chivayo has portrayed his relationship with African leaders as one built around personal connections, respect and mentorship.
His latest appearance in Tanzania therefore carried a different significance. Rather than business, Chivayo was standing beside President Samia at a moment of personal grief, offering condolences following the death of the man who had been her husband for decades and Tanzania’s first First Gentleman.
