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Ishemunyoro Chingwere Business Reporter
Former Secretary for Mines and Mining Development Mr David Murangari, who died earlier this week, was buried at Warren Hills Cemetery in Harare yesterday.
He was described as the bedrock on which Zimbabwe’s mining sector knowledge hub lies.
The revered geologist, who served as permanent secretary from 1988 to 1997, died on Monday.
Mines and Mining Development Deputy Minister Polite Kambamura described the Mr Murangari as a giant that made a huge contribution to the sector.
“The ministry and the mining sector has lost a very senior person who contributed quite immensely in the development of the mining industry,” he said.
“This is one dedicated man who was patriotic, loyal, dependable and focused in the service of his country and we pass our condolences to the family on behalf of the ministry and Government at large.
“He also taught those who served under him all these good values and remained true to them up to his death. His being at the helm of the MMCZ (Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe) shows that Government had entrusted him with our resources and it’s not the kind of position where one just gets appointed.”
Mr Murangari was MMCZ board chairman.
MMCZ general manager Mr Tongai Muzenda said Zimbabwe lost a firm and knowledgeable geologist.
“If you want to know a good person, you could not look beyond Mr Murangari,” he said.
“One of his biggest attributes as a leader was that he could lend an ear to every view and the result of this was sound decisions as these would be made from an informed position.
“At MMCZ, we knew that in the late (Mr Murangari) we had a man we could look up to for sound and technically sound advice. He was very clear on what has to be done in order for us to achieve our goals.”
Mr Muzenda said despite his softer side, Mr Murangari was tough when it came to telling the truth.
“He was that kind of a man who would tell you straight in the face that, ‘No! This is not right’.” Family spokesperson Professor Arthur Mutambara, a former Deputy Prime Minister in the inclusive Government and nephew to Mr Murangari, said Zimbabwe lost a global superstar.
He said economies the world over needed professionals and technocrats to advise policymakers.
Prof Mutambara said Mr Murangari loved his country to the extent of financially supporting the liberation war when he worked as a senior manager in Zambia from 1964 to 1978.
“He symbolises excellency in the public sector and excellence in the private sector, having reached the highest level in civil service as permanent secretary and managing director of not just one private company,” said Prof Mutambara.
“He is a man who found pride in collective success. I and many others in the family, are examples of the positive impact that David Murangari had on his extended family and beyond, itself a sign that epitomise his Ubuntu.
“His excelling in both the public and private sector means that almost every professional in the mining sector, including Minister Chitando, either directly or indirectly tapped into this giant’s well of wisdom.”
Mr Murangari is survived by his wife Vimbai Chihava, six children and seven grandchildren.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter