Tanaka Bio

On the 7^thof December 2011, Gerald Tanaka Khosa lost his life in a tragic car accident. Faced with this tragic loss, his family decided that the path he had set himself on should continue to be paved for others to follow.

Gerald (known as Tanaka to most of his family) was born in Harare, Zimbabwe on June 14, 1991.  He lived in Chinhoyi until he was 7 years old. He then moved to Northern Virginia, USA, where he completed his elementary, middle and high school. He worked hard, applied himself well and excelled in all he did. Being an energized boy, he gravitated towards sports with a natural flair.  He went on to lead his high school football team (Battlefield Bobcats) to the championships, and was named the MVP (Most Valuable Player) of his team.

Gerald was a born leader, his even-tempered personality and ever smiling face drew people to him.  He had a passion for people, he did not just stand on the sidelines, he got involved! He refereed youth basketball and was a mentor to many young children. Family was important to Gerald, he always made time to connect with everyone, and made his friends feel like family. He also loved to travel and got to see a lot of the U.S.

After graduating from high school in Virginia, he relocated to Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe for his Upper 6th education at Lomagundi College. The transition was not easy, but he adapted and persevered. He re-invented himself, embraced the culture and in no time, fully immersed himself into the Zimbabwean way of life.

In Zimbabwe, Gerald continued to leave his mark. While at Lomagundi College, drawing from his American football experience, he played 1st Team Rugby. Gerald was also chosen to play basketball for the Mashonaland West Province and was nominated Vice Captain, and he ultimately qualified to represent his country. During his free time, he decided to explore Zimbabwe and visited the places he had always heard about- Kariba, Victoria Falls, and Gona Rezhou.

During the last year of his life, Gerald was enrolled at Varsity College in Cape Town, South Africa. He was in his first year at the time of his untimely death. He had become a well-rounded young man and developed a profound desire to give back to his community. In his own words, “These are my people thus my obligation”. So, in light of these words, we hope to realize his dream by giving back to the community and helping the underprivileged. Join us in realizing this young man’s dream.

He will forever remain in our hearts and we cherish the years we were with him on this earth.

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