Zimbabweans raise over US$10,000 on GoFundMe to buy Greatman a car after Wicknell Chivayo declines his request

Zimbabweans have raised over US$10,000 (about R185,000) through a GoFundMe campaign to purchase a car for musician Greatman, just weeks after businessman Wicknell Chivayo appeared to dismiss his public appeal for assistance.

The campaign, spearheaded by Ashford “Ashbragger” Chimombe, culminated in the purchase of a wheelchair-friendly Honda Shuttle. On Sunday, Chimombe shared a picture of Greatman next to the vehicle, declaring the mission a success.

“Zimbabweans, be proud — we did it”

Chimombe publicly thanked the many Zimbabweans who contributed to the campaign and gave special recognition to those who worked behind the scenes to make the initiative possible.

Introducing his remarks on Facebook, he wrote:

“Even the Bible says wakaitawo chakanaka haungafara here (if you’ve done a good deed, wouldn’t you be happy?)
Zimbabweans, be proud — we did it. Mission accomplished.
Every cent counts. Together we are strong.
Special thanks to John Gwenzi, Ernest Nesto James, Moreboys Munetsi for ensuring that funds were in order and properly accounted for.
John Gwenzi — ma accountant manyama (a top-notch accountant)
Melsa Chido and Mai Maka — you are heroines of our generation. Blessed.
Revelation 22:21 — ‘The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.’”

In an earlier update, Chimombe explained the choice of car:

“Hello Family. We selected the Honda Shuttle over the Toyota Aqua, primarily due to its wheelchair-friendly design and spaciousness.
Thank you once again for the love and for the blessings.”

Greatman’s plea to Chivayo — and the silence that followed

Before the GoFundMe campaign was launched, Greatman had publicly appealed to businessman Wicknell Chivayo via Facebook. In his post, he made a humble request:

“Dear Sir Wicknell, I’m reaching out to seek your help.
If you can reunite lovers who were separated, or make a new car out of an accident-damaged one, I wonder how you can help me move forward in life.
Some people might laugh, but I’d rather they laugh while I’m building a better future for myself. Thank you.”

Chivayo did not respond to the request directly. However, in a later social media post, he made a cryptic comment that many interpreted as a reference to Greatman’s appeal:

“Zvikangoita kanenge ka rough kunge ka ku forcer
se zva Greatman hapana chinobuda — MAZINO chaïwo… GOOD LUCK”
(“If it feels a bit forced, like with Greatman, nothing useful comes out — not even TEETH… GOOD LUCK.”)

“A life-changing gift”: Greatman’s message to supporters

Following the delivery of the car, Greatman issued a heartfelt thank-you message on Facebook, acknowledging the overwhelming support from Zimbabweans at home and abroad:

“Thank you to all my amazing supporters in Zimbabwe and the diaspora.
I am deeply moved and sincerely grateful for the overwhelming love, kindness, and generosity you have shown me through your donations and support on my GoFundMe page.

Your contributions have made it possible for me to own a Honda Shuttle — a life-changing gift that will ease my daily challenges as a person living with a disability.

I’m truly grateful for your kindness and support.
May God bless you all.”

The donation marks a significant moment for the wheelchair-bound singer, whose story resonated with Zimbabweans across the globe. The Honda Shuttle is expected to ease transport challenges he has long faced.