Harare’ Retail giant Rooneys has issued a statement to clarify what it describes as a misrepresentation of the send-off given to a long-serving team member, following a social media post that questioned the company’s recognition of his 45 years of service.

In a media release on Tuesday, the company addressed what it called a “recent post circulated regarding the retirement of our long-serving team member, Desman Kabaira.”

The statement confirms that Kabaira has retired after nearly half a century with the company. “Desman has been a valued part of the Rooneys family for 45 years, and we are incredibly proud of his contribution, loyalty, and the role he has played in our journey,” the company said.

However, Rooneys pushed back against the narrative presented in the initial social media post, which the company did not detail but implied was critical of the farewell. “The portrayal of his retirement in recent media does not reflect the full story or the level of appreciation we hold for him,” the statement read.

The company sought to clarify the nature of Kabaira’s farewell, asserting that it was conducted with dignity and personal consideration for the retiree. “Desman’s send-off was done with respect, gratitude, and personal consideration, in a manner that was meaningful to him,” Rooneys stated.

According to the company, the recognition went beyond the personal farewell organized by Kabaira’s immediate colleagues. The retail group emphasized that Kabaira was also formally compensated by the corporation for his decades of dedication. “In addition to the personal farewell organised by his colleagues, Desman has been formally and appropriately recognised and compensated by the company in line with his many years of dedicated service,” the statement added.

Reaffirming its core values, Rooneys concluded by stating its commitment to its workforce. “At Rooneys, we believe that our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we remain committed to recognising and celebrating those who have grown with us over the years.”

The company thanked those who had offered their support and reiterated that it would “continue to honour Desman in the way he truly deserves.”