Eminent leaders, scientists mourn Prof Mafoti’s death
SEVERAL eminent scientists, scholars, political and business leaders have paid tribute to one of Zimbabwe’s most brilliant minds, foremost industrial chemist and inventor, former Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC) chief executive and presidential advisor, Prof Robson Mafoti who died on November 8.
Mourners who thronged the Borrowdale Methodist Church in Harare yesterday hailed Prof Robson Manyuwa Mafoti for his incredible contribution to science and national development.
Prof Robson Mafoti who died aged 74 and was accorded a State–assisted funeral will be laid to rest today (Saturday) at his farm in Beatrice, a few kilometres south of Harare.
The eminent industrial chemist and holder of 100 patents — local and international died in India where he was receiving cancer treatment.
President Mnangagwa paid homage to the industrial chemist of global prominence saying his passing had left an intellectual vacuum in the country.
“I am very saddened by his passing on. He was an asset in the system of governance of the country and has left a void that will be difficult to fill,” he said on Thursday.
Tributes were also paid to Prof Mafoti who served in various capacities as SIRDIC ceo, advisor on the Presidential Advisory Council (PAC) and board member of several entities — local, regional and international.
“Prof Mafoti’s contribution to the fields of science, innovation, industrial and human capital development have left an indelible mark on the local and global community,” said Prof Wilson Parawira, deputy chief executive officer of the Zimbabwe Council of Higher Education (Zimche).
“His numerous patents and accolades stand as a testament to his brilliance and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific, industrial knowledge and innovation. He was indeed an organic and meta intellectual.”
National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) commissioner and former SIRDIC administrator hailed Prof Mafoti for his outstanding leadership qualities and for transforming SIRDIC through the difficult and rough economic patch that the country went through.
“Prof Mafoti’s outstanding leadership skills are behind SIRDIC’s success today,” he said. “As a leader he inspired the scientists with clear vision and knowledge of how research can be done better. One of the reasons behind SIRDIC’s success under the difficult economic problems we experienced was Prof Mafoti’s ability to stay focused. He had the capacity to lead and rally people to a common purpose. This inspired confidence and was the bedrock of Prof Mafoti’s leadership at SIRDIC.”
Prof Mafoti’s wife — Ann Jeanette Ntsoaki described the loss of her husband as a huge one for a man who was a pillar to the family and whose outstanding contributions as a researcher, teacher, mentor and colleague set a standard that inspired many people not only in Zimbabwe, but across the world.
“Gone too soon! Your passing stunned me, your children, grandchildren, your siblings, friends and the world at large. You were the pillar of our family, the leader amongst your peers and business community. An accomplished scientist,” she said.
“People talk about the amazing achievements you’ve accomplished! When we lived in America, I used to hear your colleagues talk about how amazing you were, the solutions you brought to their work places.
“You came back home to Zimbabwe and continued to be amazing. You changed people’s lives in a way that they’ll forever be grateful! You worked hard to introduce programs that would develop the nation. Improve people’s lives. Everything you did selflessly because you loved your people.”
His son, Kento, praised his father for instilling in him, a culture of hard work.
“Today I am remembering my dad and the time we spent together. He was one of a kind and someone who ensured you did not take life easy. He instilled hard work as the only way to pursue achievement. He was a communal individual who gave other people a chance in life. May His Soul Rest in Peace,” he said.
Family members, relatives, business executives, diplomats, academics, politicians, admirers and other notable people attended the ceremony.
In an emotional tribute, Korean Ambassador to Zimbabwe Jae Kyung Park hailed Prof Mafoti for playing an instrumental role in the establishment of the South Korean Rural Development Administration (RDA) run Korea Africa Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (KAFACI) and Korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA) project which was implemented in partnership with SIRDC in Zimbabwe.
“I cannot find the proper words to console the family and friends who have lost a loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Read full story on www.herald.co.zw