Gono mourns former RBZ advisor Kereke

Emmanuel Kafe-Herald Reporter

FORMER Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr Gideon Gono has paid tribute to his former advisor Dr Munyaradzi Kereke, describing him as a brilliant economist whose contribution to the country during a rough patch would be missed.

Dr Kereke died on Tuesday morning at The Avenues Clinic in Harare.

His death came just two days after Dr Gono visited him in hospital on Sunday, accompanied by members of Dr Kereke’s family.

In a moving tribute, Dr Gono said he was grateful to have had the opportunity to see his former advisor 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 advisor for nine years during his tenure as Reserve Bank Governor, a period marked by severe economic challenges.

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 following serious allegations made by Dr Kereke against his former boss, resulting in Dr Gono suing him for defamation.

The two eventually put their differences behind them, with Dr Gono, saying their friendship was restored after Dr Kereke visited him following his release from prison and apologised.

The former Governor said their families also became close again.

He recalled Dr Kereke’s visit to his office on April 16 this year, saying the meeting was marked by “the warmth and smiles of a friendship restored”.

Dr Gono said the experience had reinforced the importance of forgiveness and resolving differences before it was too late.

“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.

He described Dr Kereke’s death as a painful loss while reflecting on the years they worked together and the friendship they were able to restore.

“Farewell, Dr Kereke, my “Sachiterekojime.”

“I will remember your brilliance, the years we worked together, and the friendship we were able to restore. I am grateful that we did not leave our reconciliation until it was too late.

“Rest in eternal peace. May the Lord hold your family close and grant comfort to all who mourn you.”

Source: Gono mourns former RBZ advisor Kereke – herald

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