Sonja Madzikanda, ex-wife of the late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, has shared a lighthearted video of herself with their two children, days after his burial.
In a TikTok video posted on 13 October 2026, Sonja filmed herself outdoors with her children.
The clip opens with her saying the children have “recruited” her for a run, before she strikes a playful bet with them.
The light-hearted footage came after weeks of grief for the family. Viewers welcomed the sight of the children active and smiling following the loss of their father.
“So if I win, what happens? I’ll give you 20 bucks. You’ll give me 20 bucks. Do you have 20 bucks? Okay, cool,” she says, laughing, as they line up to race towards the tennis court.
The helicopter crash
Wicknell Chivayo, one of Zimbabwe’s best-known and most controversial businessmen, died on 30 September when a private helicopter crashed near Marondera, east of Harare. His wife, Lucy Muteke, was among six people killed.
He was also known for a lavish lifestyle and close ties to some African presidents. Kenya’s William Ruto described him as “a dear friend whose warmth touched many people”.
Wicknell Chivayo // Facebook
The loss has left Chivayo’s two children in mourning, and many members of the public have followed closely to see how his family is coping.
Who is Sonja Madzikanda?
Sonja Madzikanda, 34, is an accountant and the mother of Wicknell Chivayo’s two children. Her relationship with the businessman drew public attention after the couple separated in 2024 and a series of legal disputes followed.
In early 2026, she filed divorce proceedings seeking a $25 million lump sum and monthly spousal maintenance of $40,000, among other demands. In April, the High Court approved a consent agreement under which Chivayo agreed to pay $5 million for the children’s maintenance. The main divorce case had not yet been heard.
After his death, Madzikanda was seen with the children at the funeral, where footage showed them paying their last respects to their father.
Fans urge Sonja to keep the children safe
The comments reflected admiration for Sonja’s resilience and concern for the children’s wellbeing.
- @Gogo Watinozw said: “Keep them safe; God will help you.”
- @user9240518811106 said: “Take care of them please so that they don’t miss their father.”
- @Mother of Boyz said: “Sonja is such a natural beauty.”
