Daily News
By Kudzai Chawafambira
25th September 2014
The death of prominent Bulawayo-based economist Eric Bloch has stunned the world and triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes on social media.
The chartered accountant and newspaper columnist died at his Bulawayo home on Friday evening.
He succumbed to cancer after a long battle with the deadly disease.
Well known for his TV role as a quiz master, Bloch died at 75.
An incisive independent newspaper columnist who tirelessly and fearlessly critiqued Zimbabwe’s economic and political problems, he also dedicated his life to proffering solutions to Zimbabwe’s complex socio-economic challenges.
John Robertson, a renowned economist and Bloch’s friend of many years, described him as a man of enormous integrity who was committed to making Zimbabwe a better country.
“He was indeed knowledgeable and professional,†Robertson said.
“Despite being a qualified accountant by profession, Eric was a multi-skilled person who could comment authoritatively on the country’s political and economic events.â€
He said Bloch was a strong supporter of the Jewish faith and also served the country with honour by holding various advisory roles in government institutions, particularly the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and the Finance ministry.
Former Education Minister David Coltart said: “I am very sorry to hear that Eric Bloch has passed away. He was a true Zimbabwean patriot who was always fair and spoke his mind boldly.â€
Renowned hotelier Shingi Munyeza acknowledged Bloch as one of his mentors, a friend and a true patriotic Zimbabwean.
Bloch’s wife Baileh passed away in 2011 at the age of 75 after suffering from a severe heart attack.
The couple had three sons, one daughter and 10 grandchildren.
Mourners are gathered at Bloch’s home at Number 12 Coghlan Avenue in Khumalo in Bulawayo.
Burial arrangements were not available at the time of going to press.