It is with profound sorrow and deep respect that the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) announces the passing of Mr. Stanley Goredema, our former Principal Public Relations Officer, who served the institution with unwavering dedication and exceptional distinction from 1983 to 2018.
Over a distinguished career spanning 35 years, Mr. Goredema became a towering figure in the heritage sector, leaving behind an indelible legacy of public service, national pride, and professional excellence. He joined NMMZ in 1983 as an Assistant Public Relations Officer and rose through the ranks to become the institution’s Principal Public Relations Officer, a role he carried with distinction until his well-earned retirement in 2018.
Mr. Goredema made history as the first black Public Relations Officer of the institution in post-independence Zimbabwe, becoming a vital and trusted bridge between NMMZ and the public, government ministries, the media, heritage organizations, and communities across the country and beyond. His tenure coincided with an era of transformation and growth, and he played a key role in shaping how the institution was perceived locally and internationally.
A true patriot, Mr. Goredema played a pivotal communications role in the Liberation War Graves Rehabilitation Programme, working tirelessly on missions to Mozambique and Zambia. He worked directly with bereaved families, veterans’ associations, and diplomatic missions to ensure that the memories of Zimbabwe’s fallen heroes were preserved with dignity and honor.
He also served as the focal liaison officer in the National Heroes Burial Process, providing seamless coordination between NMMZ, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, and the families of national heroes. His empathy and cultural sensitivity ensured that each burial was handled with utmost respect and reverence. During Heroes Day commemorations, he remained the key point of contact for the families of heroes, offering support and ensuring meaningful participation in national remembrance.
Mr. Goredema was not only a master communicator but also an accomplished event organiser. He spearheaded countless high-level events, including the International Museums Day commemorations and the 1992 Donors Conference, which successfully secured funding for the Archaeological Heritage Resource Management Programme. His unmatched communication skills earned donor confidence and brought significant advancement to the institution.
His passion for youth heritage education led to partnerships with national broadcasters, including ZBC’s KidsNet, through which he inspired the younger generation to appreciate and protect Zimbabwe’s heritage. Internationally, he fostered collaborations with ICOM and ICOMOS, raising Zimbabwe’s profile within global heritage networks.
Mr. Goredema’s professionalism, humility, and deep respect for protocol earned him admiration across all sectors. His name became synonymous with excellence in public service, and his legacy remains embedded in the institutional memory of NMMZ.
He will be remembered for his grace, wisdom, and tireless advocacy for Zimbabwe’s heritage. He mentored many, comforted grieving families, negotiated with tactful diplomacy, and served his country with selfless commitment.
To his family, former colleagues, and the wider heritage community: we extend our deepest condolences. May his remarkable legacy continue to inspire, and may his soul rest in eternal peace.
