Wilson Chipangura, Guest Reporter
HARARE – Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has announcement the much anticipated retirement of long serving chief executive, Karikoga Kaseke.
In a communique titled “Retirement of Dr Karikoga Kaseke on Health Grounds” issued by acting Board chairperson Precious Sibiya, ZTA said the decision was reached at following medical Board recommendations.
“The Board of Directors of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority wishes to advise the tourism industry and all stakeholders that Dr Karikoga Kaseke has been retired from the post of Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority after a long period of indisposition.
“Dr Kaseke fell ill in November 2018 and has not been well since then. His retirement followed the recommendations of a medical Board and is effective 01 July 2021.
“Dr Kaseke served the organisation as its Chief Executive from June 2005 up until his retirement. The Board and everyone had hoped for his recovery and we continue to pray for the restoration of his health.
“Dr KK, as he is affectionately known, will be sadly missed in the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority in particular and the tourism industry as a whole both locally and beyond our borders.
“Allow me on behalf of the Board to thank the the Kaseke family, industry and all our stakeholders for the support and given both to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and Dr KK during these past two years.
“We would like to kindly request you to continue with your support and cooperation as we recruit a new Chief Executive for the organisation,” said Sibiya.
Kaseke had spent about 34 months on sick leave and refused to leave office.
He has lived a flamboyant life with a history of allegations of bedding beauty queens from annual pageants.
The 59-year-old is a well known hardliner of incumbent Emmerson Mnangagwa with the ruling party protecting him from many scandals over the years.
