Emmanuel Kafe
Former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr Gideon Gono has paid tribute to his former adviser Dr Munyaradzi Kereke, describing him as a brilliant economist who contributed immensely to the country’s development.
Dr Kereke died on Tuesday morning at The Avenues Clinic in Harare.
He was 54.
Dr Gono said he was grateful to have had the opportunity to see his former adviser shortly before his death.
“I could not have known how soon we would be saying goodbye. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to be there and to show my care while he was still with us,” he said.
Dr Kereke served as Dr Gono’s adviser for nine years during his tenure at the Central Bank.
Dr Gono described him as possessing an “intellectual brilliance, sharp analytical mind and remarkable capacity for hard work”.
“During some of our country’s most difficult years, he contributed ideas and helped develop measures intended to protect the economy from collapse,” Dr Gono said.
“I remember those contributions with gratitude, and I honour the effort he gave during that demanding period of our working lives.”
However, the two men’s relationship later deteriorated, resulting in Dr Gono suing his former advisor.
The two later reconciled and put their differences behind them.
Dr Gono said their families also became close again.
“Making peace matters. Forgiveness matters. We should express our care while those we love can still receive it,” he said.
Dr Gono said Dr Kereke’s death had brought into sharp focus the uncertainty of life and the need for people to extend grace to one another.
“To his family, friends, former colleagues and all who knew and loved him, we extend our heartfelt condolences,” he said.
He expressed particular condolences to Dr Kereke’s family, including Mai Tinashe, Tinashe, Sharon and Kennedy.
“May God sustain you through the difficult days ahead, comfort you in the quiet moments when his absence is felt most deeply, and surround you with people who will carry this grief with you,” Dr Gono said.
