Online Reporter
Muneyi Zavare
It’s often not easy to accept the passing of a loved one. The situation often brings a lot of emotions and also much reflection as the living process and remember the life of a loved one.
This has been the case for the family and friends of former Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) boss, Mr Joseph Foroma, who passed on last Friday in Southend on Sea, England.
Mr Foroma, Baba Foro or Chirasha as he liked to be addressed by those he shared his jokes with, was born in July 1957 in Gokomere, Masvingo, then Fort Victoria.
He grew up in a closely knit family of brothers and sisters (12 in total) at their Chinatsira Farm in Chivhu.
His father, a teacher of repute, had moved from his homestead of Zimuto in Masvingo, having bought a farm in Chivhu to embark on what most Zimbabweans are passionate about and known for — farming.
Mr Foroma, who embraced the leadership and guidance of his elder brothers and sisters engrossing himself into education, becoming the most educated of all his siblings, he continued to love and respect for their care and support of him till his death.
His pursuit of academic excellence led him to sharing university places or seats with the likes of the current Amb Katsande, whom he developed a close friendship with. He attained a PhD in Economics, however, because of his humbleness, he felt it unnecessary to burden himself by carrying along the title which comes with such an achievement.
Mr Foroma was promoted to lead CZI from 1989 to 1997, having joined the organisation in the second half of the 1980s, with Amb Katsande chosen to lead the then Industry and Commerce Ministry as Permanent Secretary.
The said leadership recognised Foroma’s diplomatic skills, his passion to advance trade between Zimbabwe and other countries, including the United Kingdom. He was appointed trade attaché to the United Kingdom shortly after the Labour Party of Tony Blair had come into power in 1997.
Continuous trade between the two countries plus the Republic of Ireland and the rest of Europe, given the influence of the UK, was to hinge on the shoulders of this unassuming yet brilliant man. One we would regard as an unsung hero of Zimbabwe’s Third Chimurenga of economic emancipation.
When Mr Foroma was posted to The United Kingdom in 1997, all plausible intelligence reports were pointing to an emerging frosty economic relationship between Zimbabwe and Europe led by the United Kingdom.
Some might recall the unfortunate, disrespectful statements towards Zimbabwe coming from Westminster and Downing Street, when the Labour Party government came into power in 1997. Claire Short, who was then the UK Secretary of State for International Development, decided to stir a hornet’s nest in terms of relations between the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe by absolving Britain of its colonial legacy and responsibility over Zimbabwe against the letter and spirit of the Lancaster House agreement.
That is the context in which Joseph, then in the middle years of his life, became entrusted by the Government to keep trade relations going between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom going. The objective being to secure jobs and livelihoods of ordinary Zimbabweans.
This is a role that he went on to perform with great skill and knowledge. He worked with tireless passion to ensure that his country got the best out of relationships with the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland as well as Europe in general.
Mr Foroma’s only regret was that he could not stop either side’s politics making his job an unnecessary nightmare, leading to the United Kingdom unjustly mobilising Europe and the US to impose sanctions against Zimbabwe in 2001. Notwithstanding, he never gave up on his mission and mandate.
Mr Foroma served alongside esteemed patriots such as former Ambassador to the UK, Cde Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, Win Mlambo, Messrs Tachiveyi, Katsvara and a then young patriot Ms Felicia Munjaidi, who was tourism Attaché.
“I worked with Mr Foroma, a great trade attaché he was. He worked wholeheartedly and was forever professional. Learnt a lot from him”, said Munjaidi.
Mr Foroma worked with and impacted people, ever ready to help, always available to impart knowledge and uplifting others.
That desire to impart knowledge led him to author several books such as “Come laugh with me”, in which he gave in-depth meaning to the joke’s Zimbabweans share on a daily basis, very fascinating; Lourdes — “The Heart of God’s Mercy”, in which he reflects on his Catholic upbringing and faith; and his most recent publication in February 2025, “The Children Pray with St Bernadette: a children’s prayer”, in which he teaches and encourages children to invest in prayer.
Foroma had so much love for every single member of his wider family, just as he loved and cared for all the people he came across. He ensured all his brothers and sisters together with their families were supported regardless. Whatever little he had, Chirasha believed it could be shared and benefit all. Those who wanted further education or to develop themselves socially and economically, he supported and helped without reservation, not expecting anything in return.
An unsung hero who resisted all trappings that come with success. He served his country and family with utmost humility.
As plans are made to repatriate his body from the UK, a place he resided following his early retirement about a decade ago, we will remember and cherish how this humble trade attaché helped, alongside others, to keep the Zimbabwean economy afloat even as Western imperialists sought to annihilate our economy.
Mr Foroma will be buried at Chinatsira Farm in Chivhu, Mashonaland East Province, once all necessary arrangements have been made.
The memory of this icon should not merely dissipate into oblivion. A trade attaché par excellence, who kept his country afloat reminding us of diligence in duty execution.
Rest in Peace WaMambo, Chirasha weNgara.
