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Kudzaishe Muhamba-Herald Reporter
Well-known academic Professor Claude Gumbucha Mararike, who died on Thursday of cardiac arrest at the age of 82, will be buried today at his farm in Mhangura.
Mourners are gathered at his Greendale home.
Academics described him as a person who contributed to national development and conservation of culture and heritage.
Prof Mararike was widely known for his regular appearances on ZBC talk show “Zvavanhu”, where he used to deep dive into concepts of Africanism with his contemporaries Dr Vimbai Chivaura, Professor Sheunesu Mupepereki and Dr Tafataona Mahoso.
Academics celebrated Prof Mararike’s role in standing up for the African culture. Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Prof Paul Mavhima said Prof Mararike was one the iconic professors of his time.
“Prof Mararike was a sociologist, he worked at the University of Zimbabwe and he was one of the iconic professors of our time.
“What was unique about him is the fact that he did not exist in the ivory towers of academia. He was a very practical person who interacted with policy makers. He participated in issues of national development and heritage of our country,” he said.
Minister Mavhima said Prof Mararike used his academic knowledge to practically contribute towards the development of the nation.
“It is a big loss to the nation. We can only say Professor you did well for the country, go well.”
University of Zimbabwe economics lecturer Prof Albert Makochekana said the prolific academic was a culture conserver.
“It was fortunate for me that I worked with him in the faculty of social sciences at the University of Zimbabwe, he was an eminent professor.”
“He knew Ubuntu, despite the fact that he was an academic he remained vigilant and stood up for African culture.
“The academic domain has lost a brave man,” he said.
Online Reporter