adminThe Rhodesia Herald, November 29, 1962
MR C. M. Chipunza was sworn in as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of External Affairs by the Governor-General, Lord Dalhousie, in Salisbury yesterday.
There are now two African Parliamentary Secretaries to the Minister of External Affairs, the other being Mr G. A. M. Lewanika.
Mr Chipunza replaces Mr J. Savanhu, who resigned as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Home Affairs in August this year.
Mr Chipunza was a senior Government Whip in the Federal Parliament, a good speaker, and is known for his courage.
He will now be working in close touch with Sir Roy Welensky, who is the Minister for External Affairs.
Attending the short swearing in ceremony at Government House were Sir Roy Welensky; the Minister of Economic Affairs, Defence and Power, Sir Malcolm Barrow; the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr J. A. Clark; and Mr Lewanika.
Mr Chipunza (39) was born at Rusape and educated at St. Augustine’s Mission, Penhalonga, and at Fort Hare University College, South Africa, where he obtained his B.A. degree.
He was one of five Rhodesians awarded a leader grant to visit the United States in the 1958-59 US Government Awards and spent two months in America.
Mr Chipunza was elected to the Federal Assembly in the 1958 elections as a United Federal Party member for Harare (Elected African Member).
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Mr C. M. Chipunza and Mr G. A. M. Lewanika were probably some of the high-ranking black civil servants, notwithstanding the political climate.
According to reports, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of External Affairs’ responsibilities encompassed assisting in policy formulation, representing government interests internationally, liaising with other government departments, engaging with stakeholders, managing diplomatic communications, and monitoring global developments – all aimed at promoting Southern Rhodesia’s interests on the world stage.
The Parliamentary Secretary played a role in developing foreign policy initiatives by contributing to discussions on strategic priorities for Southern Rhodesia. This included analysing potential impacts on trade relationships, security concerns, and regional stability.
The Parliamentary Secretary would often participate in public forums or discussions to explain government policies and gather feedback from citizens.
Keeping abreast of international developments that could affect Southern Rhodesia was essential for timely decision-making. The Parliamentary Secretary would monitor news reports, academic publications, and intelligence briefings related to global politics.
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