Ayesha Nyanzunda
Businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo has once again made headlines — this time by gifting popular young comedian Leroy Tadiwanashe Zaware, better known as Comic Elder, US$150,000 after his performance drew laughter from President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the National Youth Symposium.
In a post shared on his official social media pages, Chivayo praised Comic Elder’s humor and creativity, describing him as one of Zimbabwe’s “unsung healers” whose comedy helps citizens cope with everyday challenges through laughter.
“In a world where we often take life too seriously and where each day presents its fair share of trials and tribulations, laughter remains the purest therapy known to mankind,” Chivayo wrote.
He went on to commend Comic Elder — known for his many comedic personas including Anna Mugwaku, Obvious Mututu, and Nichodimas Chigovanyika — for bringing joy to the nation and earning recognition from the Head of State.
“For a young comedian to make the President of the Republic laugh is never a small achievement,” Chivayo noted. “If you can make the President happy, then you’ve made the whole nation happy.”
As a gesture of appreciation, Chivayo announced that Comic Elder would receive US$150,000 through his lawyer, Sikhumbuzo Mpofu, to enable the comedian to purchase a house of his choice. He added that the funds could either be transferred directly to Zaware’s bank account or used by his lawyer to facilitate the property purchase on his behalf.
Chivayo said the gesture was meant to inspire young Zimbabweans to pursue their dreams with patience, hard work, and passion.
“Let this serve as an inspiration to all young people — in God’s time, He will make everything perfect,” he wrote.
Comic Elder, who has risen to fame through his viral skits on social media, joins a growing list of Zimbabwean creatives and public figures recognized by Chivayo for their contributions to entertainment and culture.