News / National
Dr Muchena dies at 69
05 Jan 2014 at 05:04hrs | Views
One of Zimbabwe's top plant genetics experts, Dr Samuel Muchena, has died at the age of 69.
Dr Muchena died on Friday night at Parirenyatwa Hospital where he was recovering after undergoing surgery for a brain tumour.
Secretary for Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Dr Washington Mbizvo confirmed the death yesterday.
"We are saddened to announce that Dr Sam Muchena died at Parirenyatwa Hospital at around 10:30 pm on Friday. He will be remembered as one of the country's best plant genetics experts who produced a variety of maize seeds such as the dwarf maize.
"He is also a former member of the Research Council of Zimbabwe and in that capacity, he advised Government on issues, based on his scientific research in plant genetics."
Dr Mbizvo said mourners are gathered at No. 7 Verdi Road in Strathaven, Harare. His body is expected to be transported to his rural home in Penhalonga today. Burial will take place tomorrow.
Dr Muchena was born on July 25, 1944. Soon after independence, he served as Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture.
He was renowned for his work as a genetics expert.
He was one of the academics tasked by the African Union to set up the Africa Centre for Fertiliser Development.
Dr Muchena died on Friday night at Parirenyatwa Hospital where he was recovering after undergoing surgery for a brain tumour.
Secretary for Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Dr Washington Mbizvo confirmed the death yesterday.
"We are saddened to announce that Dr Sam Muchena died at Parirenyatwa Hospital at around 10:30 pm on Friday. He will be remembered as one of the country's best plant genetics experts who produced a variety of maize seeds such as the dwarf maize.
Dr Mbizvo said mourners are gathered at No. 7 Verdi Road in Strathaven, Harare. His body is expected to be transported to his rural home in Penhalonga today. Burial will take place tomorrow.
Dr Muchena was born on July 25, 1944. Soon after independence, he served as Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture.
He was renowned for his work as a genetics expert.
He was one of the academics tasked by the African Union to set up the Africa Centre for Fertiliser Development.
Source - SundayMail
