ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE UNTIMELY DEATH OF

COUNTRY DIRECTOR - MATHIAS PARADZAI

It is with profound sadness that the Board of Development Aid from People to People in Zimbabwe (DAPP) announces the sudden death of Mr Paradzai, DAPP Country Director. Mr Mathias Paradzai succumbed to the Covid-19 pandemic on Tuesday the

4th of August 2020. Due to the nature of the illness, Mathias was laid to rest on Thursday the 6th of August 2020 in Chivhu, Chikomba district, Mashonaland East province in line with the World Health Organisation ( WHO) burial procedures.

Mathias devoted 28 years serving DAPP Zimbabwe and DAPP Zambia respectively. He started his career as an Agricultural instructor. His exceptional work saw him rise through the ranks from Project Leader to Deputy Director for DAPP Zimbabwe and DAPP Zambia before being appointed Finance and Partnership Director for DAPP Zimbabwe in 2010. In September 2018, Mathias was appointed DAPP Zimbabwe Country Director, a position he held until his untimely death.

Mathias will be remembered for his dedication to development work through establishing strong relationships with government, private sector, civic society and development partners to implement people centred development projects in various sectors that include Agriculture, Community Development, Health, Education and Emergencies. DAPP Zimbabwe employees, partners and communities he worked with over the years, mourn his loss. We extend our sympathy to his family, friends and colleagues. Mathias is survived by his wife and 4 children.

While the DAPP Board is working on finding Mathias’ replacement, Mr Luckson Soda will be the organization contact person. Mr Soda has already started towards ensuring the safety of staff through fumigation of the premises and COVID-19 testing for all staff members.