Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira-Senior Reporter
The Deputy President of the Chiefs Council, Chief Fortune Charumbira, has completed his rotational term as president of the Pan-African Parliament after leading the continental body from 2022.
Chief Charumbira secured the presidency on the Southern African regional ticket and completed his term in April before the Northern African region took over.
Algerian legislator Fareham Boutbig from the Northern region has since been elected to take over from Chief Charumbira.
Chief Charumbira’s term was initially supposed to end in 2025, but had to be extended to compensate for a disruption occasioned by political turbulence that at some point afflicted the continental Parliament.
Other regions that have occupied the presidency include Eastern, Western and Central Africa.
During his tenure as president of PAP, Chief Charumbira is credited with transforming the continental legislative body into a voice of Africa.
Chief Charumbira has since been conferred with the African Royal Award in recognition of his leadership, statesmanship and outstanding contribution to the advancement of Africa’s continental governance institutions.
The award was presented this week during the Special Royal Summit, hosted by the Institute of African Royalty in partnership with the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA).
The ceremony brought together a gathering of kings, queens, princes, princesses, sultans and chiefs from all five regions of Africa, reflecting the continent’s rich heritage of traditional leadership and unity.
The African Royal Award recognised Chief Charumbira’s exemplary service as president of the Pan-African Parliament and his historic achievement as the first traditional leader and African royal to ascend to one of the highest leadership positions within the structures of the African Union.
Before he was elected president of the Pan-African Parliament in 2022, Chief Charumbira served as vice president of the continental legislative body.
In presenting the award, African traditional leaders commended Chief Charumbira’s unwavering commitment to promoting African unity, strengthening parliamentary diplomacy and championing the role of traditional leadership in governance and development across the continent.
He was described as a respected diplomat, statesman and seasoned legislator.
Chief Charumbira was credited with playing a pivotal role in advancing the interests of traditional leaders and communities throughout Africa.
The Special Royal Summit highlighted the important role that traditional institutions continue to play in promoting peace, cultural preservation, social cohesion and sustainable development across Africa.
“We are immensely proud of Chief Fortune Charumbira. In recognition of his monumental contribution and his unwavering commitment to elevating the institution of traditional leadership, the traditional authorities of Africa expressed their profound gratitude and spoke with one voice in honouring his remarkable legacy,” said King Tanyi Tambe Ayuk of Cameroon.
Secretary-General of the Congress of Traditional Leaders in South Africa, Chief Zolani Mkuya, also weighed in.
“His achievement is not his alone—it is the success of us all. There is no doubt that The Mambo stands among the great icons of our continent and beyond, a distinguished leader whose vision, dedication and service have brought honour to Africa’s traditional institutions. Through his exemplary leadership, he has etched his name into the noble records of history, inspiring present and future generations alike,” he said.
Peter Tanyanyiwa