‘It’s Heritage, Not Neglect’: Sekuru Backs Wicknell Chivayo on Childhood Home

A well-known traditional healer has defended businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo following criticism on social media over why he has not renovated the rural home where he spent his childhood.

Renowned traditional healer Dr Kamwelo Banda said the criticism overlooks the deeper personal meaning behind Chivayo’s decision to keep the homestead in its original state.

The controversy began after Chivayo posted photos and a video of his family’s old house, a modest structure built in 1962, giving followers a glimpse into his humble beginnings before his rise to wealth.

The post quickly attracted attention online. While many praised his openness, some social media users questioned why the businessman known for gifting luxury cars and displaying a lavish lifestyle had not upgraded the property.

However, Banda explained that leaving the house unchanged should not be viewed as neglect but rather as a way of honouring personal history.

“This is about preserving memories, not ignoring the home,” Banda said. “Old houses hold stories of our lives the joy, the hardships and the dreams we once had. When we remove them completely, we also lose a part of who we are.”

In his social media post, Chivayo spoke about the emotional connection he still has to the homestead. He recalled childhood memories of sleeping on the floor in the small kitchen alongside his grandmother and siblings.

Although he said he has the means to replace the structure with a modern house, he believes doing so would erase an important piece of his past.

“These houses carry deep sentimental value. To me, they are like a museum,” Chivayo wrote, explaining that changing them would remove a powerful reminder of the journey that shaped him.

Banda urged people to view the homestead as a symbol of heritage rather than judging it as a reflection of wealth. He compared it to famous historical sites around the world that have been preserved in their original condition.

Among the examples he mentioned were the former home of Nelson Mandela in Soweto and the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe, both of which hold value because of their authenticity.

He also referred to the early home of Zimbabwe’s late former president Robert Mugabe in Highfield, which has long been recognised as a historical landmark.

Banda said historical sites retain their significance precisely because they are preserved rather than modernised.

“If we were to rebuild the pyramids in Egypt today, they would lose their meaning,” he said. “Their true power lies in the fact that they have remained unchanged.”

According to Banda, Chivayo’s decision to show his rural home is an important reminder that many success stories begin in modest circumstances.

He added that the images should inspire young people to embrace their roots rather than feel embarrassed by them.

“The key message is simple,” Banda said. “Never be ashamed of where you started. Your background does not limit your future  it simply shows how far you have come.”