In this aerial pic, UZ-CTRC Staff, formed the letters JGH in honor of Prof James Gita Hakim 

UZ-CTRC staff, led by its leadership, took a knee in honor of Prof James G. Hakim. His legacy will continue to inspire many. May his soul rest in peace

When we went through the first wave of covid-19 in early 2020, during the first lockdown, Prof Hakim played this song-he said this particular version was his favourite- during the PETRA journal club as an attempt to lift up people's spirits from the worries of the pandemic. This song will continue to remind me of how he always did his best to help others. Forever remembered.

There a strange stillness in Zimbabwe, the branches and leaves of the trees are not moving. For the wind is not blowing, the birds are not singing. It is quite, frightening quiteness. 

BUT Why
Our commander, teacher and leader is dead, Prof. James Gita Hakim ( MbChB, MMed, FRCP, MSc.ClinEpi, PhD), chief cardiologist, researcher, HIV/AIDs researcher, leader and clinician is dead, he has scumbed to a revenge attack by viruses, COVID specifically. COVID has attacked and killed one of the most prominent clinician and teacher devoted to research to increase our knowledge and ability to fight these viruses so the world  can be safe

Wake up world, wake up Africa, fight back, don't be paralyzed. Even  though he is no longer with us, we have the knowledge and the tools he imparted on us. Use it and fight. Some of us will fall like him, those who remain must continue fighting to save humanity from the threat of this virus

Prof Hakim taught us research, how to write, publish, read and review manuscripts, he taught us communication in Medicine, how to communicate with colleagues, students and above all those who are senior to you. He taught us humility, he taught us life skills

His death has dashed the Hope's of young researches, students and future leaders in medicine. Research programmes planned and on going are going to be stalled

But in his honor we must continue to work, let us not cry like helpless directionless orphans. We have the tools to fight

Dr Wani Mena
Specialist Ophthalmologist and Clinical Epidemiologist


 

Prof James G. Hakim was a rare bread of a human being. Articulate, Visionary, Humble, Calm and above all he had time and space for everyone regardless of his/her station in life. We will forever miss you......

For some reason Prof Hakim reminded me of my own late biological father (may his soul continue to rest in perfect peace) and I think he saw me as a daughter too. One day he called me into his office and said "By the way you are an Electronic Engineer right"? I said "yes" and he said " my boy in South Africa is studying Engineering,  I want you to meet him one day." (I hope I'll get the opportunity to meet Engineer Hakim one day).
Prof, if nothing was pressuring him, would make sure to call me to "discuss" some new technology he'd seen or read about. He always wanted me to break it down in layman's terms.  I cannot believe he is gone, I will surely miss him. 
Sleep in perfect peace Prof Hakim. I will forever remember you.

Prof was a very humble and respectful man .l have known him since 2002 when I joined the HAQOCI  program, he  was one of the leadership When the program ended  l was welcomed in the NECTAR Program until now. Prof respected me to such an extent that he never called me by my first name .He called me "mai mangwiro' . When he comes to the office he would say "mai mangwiro a cup of tea for us".l will  miss making a cup of tea for him ,and his voice when he thanked me for the tea.May his soul rest in the Almighty's arms and console his family and all his staff

Professor J G Hakim a great mentor, an advisor, a great inspiration and above all a committed cheerleader always pushing hard to bring the best in us, a father and selfless leader. We indeed have lost a true hero who was passionate about grooming young people. The scientific and research community lost a giant who was highly respected. My deepest sympathy goes to his wife, children, relatives and friends in this time of grief. 
Dr Zivai Mupambireyi Nenguke 

Prof Hakim was a father to many, always caring, a listening leader, so so humble and engaging. He always had a smile on his face, was tech-savvy despite his age and taught us to explore new things all the time. Go well our mentor, leader and father