BY GIBSON MPABANGA NYATHI
My knowledge of and professional association with Douglas Munatsi goes back to 1985, the heydays of Zimbabwe banking which was lauded by international bankers, a unique status evidenced by the comparative ease with which Zimbabwe attracted hundreds of millions of United States dollars in lines of credit through the banking sector, ably led by the apex bank, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
The enabling bedrock for this notable success was embedded professionalism and banking ethical practices.
There was no room for ‘fanikalo’ banking practices.
That is the Zimbabwe banking landscape that Doug walked into in 1985.
Indeed, it is full restoration of ethical banking in all its forms which will begin to earn Zimbabwe banking the respect and support of the global banking community.
What seems hardly known about his early professional development is that after International Finance Corporation in Washington, Doug joined the Zimbabwe Banking Corporation (Zimbank).
Doug made contact with me in 1985 when I was assistant general manager (international and corporate banking) when I was in my late 30s, seeking to meet with me and discuss the possibility of joining the bank.
He was aware that I had initiated the only management training programme in Zimbabwe’s banking landscape at the time which specifically targeted the professional training of black bankers at a time when white bankers were emigrating following 1980 political independence.
Indeed, Doug and I met in my office at the Zimbank headquarters.
It was our first encounter as we didn’t know each other at all.
I had met several young university graduates aspiring to be bankers for the same purpose and without doubt he was a cut above the rest and the most impressive in terms of self-confidence, succinct communication and a strong understanding of global economic trends and the extent to which they umbilically interconnect with international and corporate banking.
I had the simplest of decisions to make, namely, offer him employment within my department as a manager.
He was to distinguish himself during his tenure at Zimbank, displaying creatively strong leadership and technical qualities.
And it came as no surprise to me that he moved on with my encouragement to lead the creation of a dynamic competing financial services institution with regional and international reach.
Our mutually respectful interpersonal and professional relationship flourished over the years, including during his short lived term with Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) as CEO.
Throughout our association Doug persisted in addressing me “Boss”, until the very end, notwithstanding my persistent protestations, even in the presence of persons well acquainted to both of us.
My last formal professional communication with him was a ZIDA letter dated October 25, 2021 on Special Economic Zones, replete with Doug’s trademark clarity.
The manner of his passing, the brutality, the evident physical violence, and the violation of his body are not fathomable but all belie who he inherently was —a harmless and gentle soul who radiated even “hated of killing a fly”.
And why him? Can we take our personal safety for granted?
Doug, I will always cherish your genuine friendship and respect. Go well.