By a Correspondent
Former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Governor Dr Gideon Gono has paid tribute to Dr Munyaradzi Kereke, describing the late economist and his former adviser as an intellectually brilliant and hardworking colleague whose friendship with him was eventually restored after years of difficulties.
Kereke died on Tuesday morning at Avenues Clinic in Harare.
Kereke served as Gono’s adviser for nine years during his tenure as RBZ governor, a period marked by severe economic challenges and hyperinflation in Zimbabwe.
In his tribute issued on Tuesday, Gono said Kereke played an important role in developing measures aimed at preventing the economy from collapsing during some of the country’s most difficult years.
Gono described Kereke as an intellectually gifted economist with a sharp analytical mind and a strong work ethic.
“Working closely with him, I came to know his intellectual brilliance, sharp analytical mind and remarkable capacity for hard work,” Gono said.
“He brought energy, conviction and determination to the responsibilities entrusted to him.”
Gono said Kereke contributed to efforts to stabilise the economy during some of the country’s most difficult years, helping develop measures that were intended to prevent an economic collapse.
“During some of our country’s most difficult years, he contributed ideas and helped develop measures intended to protect the economy from collapse,” Gono said.
“I remember those contributions with gratitude, and I honour the effort he gave during that demanding period of our working lives.”
However, Gono acknowledged that their relationship later went through what he described as “painful seasons”, before the two eventually reconciled.
According to Gono, their friendship was restored after Kereke’s release from prison, when the former adviser visited him and apologised for their past differences.
“Following his release from prison, he came to see me and offered an apology, adding to those he had made publicly. I accepted it, and we renewed our friendship. Our families drew close once more,” Gono said.
Gono recalled Kereke’s visit to his office on April 16, 2026, saying the encounter was particularly significant because it represented a friendship that had been repaired.
“When he visited my office on 16 April 2026, we shared the warmth and smiles of a friendship restored,” Gono said.
“Today, that memory means more than I can easily express. We had the opportunity to make peace, and we took it. I will always be thankful for that.”
Gono also revealed that he visited Kereke in hospital on Sunday, October 4, accompanied by members of Kereke’s family, after being informed that the former RBZ adviser was unwell.
“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.
Reflecting on Kereke’s death, Gono used the occasion to emphasise the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness.
“His passing brings home a truth we all know, yet so often live as though we can postpone: one day, each of us will travel this same path. None of us knows how much time remains,” he said.
“We all carry achievements, regrets, weaknesses and hopes. We all need grace.”
Gono urged people to make peace and express their love and appreciation while their friends and relatives are still alive.
“That is why making peace matters. Why forgiveness matters. Why we should express our care while those we love can still receive it,” he said.
He said he drew comfort from knowing that he and Kereke had reconciled before his death.
“I take comfort in knowing that, despite everything we had been through, there was peace between us,” Gono said.
Gono extended his condolences to Kereke’s family, including his wife and children, saying he and his family would stand with them during their bereavement.
“Farewell, Dr Kereke, my ‘Sachiterekojime’,” he said.
“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.”
