Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira
Senior Reporter
RENOWNED medical doctor and former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Godfrey Gwaze Sikipa, has died.
He died on Monday in Virginia, the United States, after a lengthy battle with cancer that lasted nearly two decades. His death was confirmed by his eldest son, Tapiwa, who expressed the family’s profound sadness.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news of Dr Godfrey Gwaze Sikipa’s passing on May 5, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. His loss is deeply felt, not only by us but by all his friends and colleagues in the health field across Zimbabwe and globally,” said Tapiwa.
A colleague, Mr Caleb Dengu, described Dr Sikipa as a “medical champion”.
He reflected on Dr Sikipa’s impactful journey from Zimbabwe to the global health community, highlighting his community-centred upbringing and dedication to service.
“His life was epitomised by the expression, ‘one life lived, many lives touched,’” Mr Dengu noted.
Born in 1951 in Goromonzi, Dr Sikipa was the eighth of 10 siblings. He attended Fletcher High School and trained as a medical doctor at the University of Rhodesia before specialising in Public Health in the United Kingdom.
Dr Sikipa is survived by wife, Dolly, and children.
Dr Sikipa’s career in the Ministry of Health saw him rise from medical officer to provincial medical director before becoming Permanent Secretary.
Dr Sikipa is survived by wife, Dolly, and children: Tapiwa, Shingayi, Rufaro, and Farai, along with grandchildren.
