Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
THE Zimbabwe African Peer Review Mechanism National Governing Council has paid tribute to its late member and national hero, Cde Cosmos Chiringa, who died on March 9 in Harare at the age of 67.
Cde Chiringa was buried at the National Heroes Acre alongside Major-General (Retired) Herbert Chingono and Cde Elison Mupamawonde.
Speaking at the official opening of a technical workshop on the development of Zimbabwe’s National Programme of Action (NPoA) — running from 7 to 10 April in Harare yesterday — NGC chairperson Commissioner James Manzou described the late national hero as a valued member who made contributions to the APRM process. A moment of silence was observed in his honour.
“Distinguished participants, before I proceed, may I kindly request that we all rise and observe a moment of silence in honour and remembrance of one of our National Governing Council members, the late Permanent Secretary for Harare Metropolitan Province, Cde Cosmos Chiringa, who passed away on 9 March 2026,” Commissioner Manzou said.
“The late Cde Chiringa was a valued member of the National Governing Council, who made significant contributions to the advancement of the APRM process in our country. His dedication and service to the nation will be fondly remembered.”
Commissioner Manzou noted that last year marked a milestone for Zimbabwe’s APRM chapter, with the establishment and operationalisation of key structures.
“By any measure, 2025 was a busy, demanding, and genuinely historic year for the APRM Zimbabwe Chapter,” he said. “Guided by the unwavering vision and decisive leadership of His Excellency the President, we did not merely establish our APRM structures — we brought them to life. We operationalised them, staffed them, and infused them with purpose.”
He highlighted Zimbabwe’s first Peer Review on Economic Governance and Management as a standout achievement. “The process required mobilisation of expertise, honest assessment of economic systems, and political will. Zimbabwe rose to that challenge with distinction.”
Commissioner Manzou added that the proudest moment came when President Mnangagwa laid a comprehensive, candid and forward-looking report before the APRM Summit — “Zimbabwe’s voice in the ongoing African conversation about accountable, transparent, and effective governance.”
He expressed profound gratitude to President Mnangagwa for his leadership, as well as to Foreign Affairs Minister Professor Amon Murwira, members of the NGC, and the APRM Continental Secretariat for their continued support.
“The development of the National Programme of Action is not merely a procedural requirement — it is a strategic undertaking that demands inclusivity, accountability, and a shared national vision,” Commissioner Manzou said.
Bongani Ndlovu