Staff Writer
A sombre atmosphere marked the funeral service held in honour of Dr Karikoga Kaseke before the body was taken to his Highlands home in Harare.
The Doves Chapel was packed with mourners from all walks of life led by his three wives Irene, Onai and Betty as well as children, singing and praying ahead of the funeral wake.
The full house was evident that indeed Dr Kaseke was a man of the people and speaker after speaker spoke about his good deeds.
Some mourners described Dr Kaseke as a generous man while others said he was a fountain of wisdom and love.
Former Tourism Minister Prisca Mupfumira said they had a cordial relationship with Dr Kaseke.
She said she was happy to have worked with Dr Kaseke describing him as a great father dedicated and fearless worker.
“We had just come from overseas where we had won several awards as brand Zimbabwe. That is when he fell ill but I am happy the family allowed me to visit him in hospital and also allowed me to see him on his death bed.
“Dr Kaseke was a great father, dedicated and fearless worker who loved his country. This is God’s doing and I know we will meet again, and may he continue to rest in peace,” Mupfumira said.
Dr Kaseke died aged 62 last week will be buried in his rural home in Mhondoro on Thursday.
“On Thursday, the 7th of March 2024, the burial will be conducted at 2pm in Mhondoro, within Chivero Matienga Village,” a family spokesperson announced.
Kaseke was known for being the driving force behind Zimbabwe’s tourism and he took the hospitality industry to greater heights while also pushing for destination Zimbabwe at the world stage.
He was the first to introduce the now defunct Harare International Carnival and also Sangani Hlanganai World Tourism Expo which is traditionally held in Bulawayo.
Besides the carnival which brought hundreds of thousands of attendees into the streets of Harare which aided Gross National Happiness at a time when Zimbabwe’s was reeling from Western imposed sanctions one of the memorable occasion was when Dr Kaseke brought American RnB singer Joe Thomas to Zimbabwe under the Celebrity Host programmes aimed at changing perception on Zimbabwe.
Prior to his appointment at ZTA Kaseke was the chief executive of Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe.
Kaseke was a retired Colonel of the Zimbabwe National Army.
He is survived by his three wives and several children. May His Soul Rest in Peace.
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