Staff Reporter

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has retired its long-serving chief executive Karikoga Kaseke on health grounds after he suffered a stroke in 2018.

In a Press Statement yesterday, ZTA advised the tourism industry and all stakeholders, Kaseke was retired from the post after a long period of illness.

The authority said Kaseke fell ill in November 2018 and has not been well since then. His retirement followed the recommendations of a medical suitability board and is effective 1 July 2021.

“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 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 on 01 July 2021.

“Dr. KK, as he is affectionately known, will be sadly missed in the ZTA in particular and the tourism industry as a whole both locally and beyond our borders,” Precious Sibiya, the ZTA acting board chairperson, said.

“Allow me on behalf of the Board to thank the Kaseke family, industry, and all our stakeholders for the support and cooperation given both to the ZTA and Dr. Kaseke 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,” she said.

Dr Kaseke served the ZTA as its boss from June 2005 up until his retirement. The ZTA board said it continued to hope for his recovery and prays for the restoration of his health.