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Sifelani Tsiko Innovations Editor

One of Zimbabwe’s leading scientist and foremost industrial chemist and inventor, former Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC) chief executive and presidential adviser, Prof Robson Mafoti who died on November 8, and was accorded a State–assisted funeral will be laid to rest at his farm in Beatrice, a few kilometres south of Harare.

Yemurai Magaya, a relative, told The Herald on Thursday that the eminent industrial chemist and holder of 100 patents – local and international who died in India at the age of 74 would be buried at Gemeni of Talana Farm at Beatrice.

“It’s a huge loss to us, his family and the entire family at large. His death has left a huge void in our hearts and I am so humbled by the huge numbers of people from various sectors who are mourning our hero and scientific giant,” she said.

“We have lost a giant figure and pillar. It’s a huge loss to the Wedza community where he hailed from and the nation as a whole. We will lay him to rest at his farm in Beatrice.”

Prof Mafoti retired from Sirdic in June this year. He died in India where he was receiving treatment for cancer.

Magaya thanked President Mnangagwa and his Government for according Prof Mafoti a state assisted funeral.

“As a family we would like to express our gratitude to President Mnangagwa for according Prof Mafoti a State-assisted funeral. We truly appreciate this honour and we thank our President for also awarding him with the Robert Mugabe Commendation Award for service in Human Capital Development when he was still alive,” she said.

“It means a lot to us as a family and we are truly grateful.”

The body of Prof Mafoti arrived in the country on Monday this week from India. A memorial service was held at his rural home in Wedza on Thursday.

The main funeral service will be held at Borrowdale Methodist Church on Friday (November 17) followed by a burial on Saturday.

Chae-Ho Cho, head of the South Korean Rural Development Administration (RDA) which runs the Korea Africa Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (KAFACI) and Korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA) project in partnership with SIRDC in Zimbabwe paid tribute to Prof Mafoti for his outstanding leadership skills.

“The Rural Development Administration joins me in expressing our most profound condolences for the loss of our beloved Prof Robson Mafoti, retired chief executive officer of SIRDIC. There are no words to express how deeply sorry I am to hear the sad news,” he said.

“His leadership and steadfast support for KOPIA and KAFACI will be remembered in the hearts of all those who have worked together. Our delegation also vividly remembers his warm hospitality and smile during their recent business trip to Zimbabwe.

“His 20-year dedication to SIRDIC and the agricultural development of Zimbabwe will not be in vain. On behalf of all staff members, I convey our heartfelt sympathy to his family and colleagues. Our deepest condolences to his family and the ones who loved him. May his soul rest in peace.”

Prof Mafoti’s global work experience covered research and development, patenting, intellectual property licensing, manufacturing and commercialisation of research outcomes.

He was a member of various boards that included Industrial Development Corporation, Zimbabwe Council of Higher Education, Chinhoyi University of Technology where he was chairperson of council among others.

In June 2019, President Mnangagwa appointed him to the 26 – member Presidential Advisory Council (PAC).

Prof Mafoti was a recipient of the Robert Mugabe Commendation Award for service in Human Capital Development which was bestowed on him for outstanding leadership for transformative service in human capital development.

He was a holder of 48 patents issued by the United States patent office and several others issued by the European Union, Japanese, Mexican and Brazilian patent office.

He won international recognition for his administrative prowess.

Prof Mafoti held several roles with various local, regional and international bodies.

He was born in Wedza on June 11, 1949.

Prof Mafoti is survived by his wife Ann Ntsoaki and several children.