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Bongani Ndlovu, Chronicle Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday mourned the death of the country’s Ambassador to Iran, Christopher Mapanga, saying he stood firm and unshaken in the defence of Zimbabwe’s interests abroad.
Ambassador Mapanga died on Thursday in Iran at the age of 69.
In his condolence message to the Mapanga family, the President said Ambassador Mapanga has been accorded a State-assisted funeral.
“On behalf of Government, and on my own behalf, I wish to convey my deepest, heartfelt condolences to the Mapanga family, and to Amai Mapanga and the children especially, on this their unexpected, saddest loss. As they grieve, may they derive comfort from the illustrious career of the late Ambassador Mapanga who stood firm and unshaken in his defence of Zimbabwe’s interests abroad. In recognition of his remarkable record in our Foreign Service, I have directed that the late Ambassador Mapanga be accorded State-assisted funeral,” said the President.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade said the country had lost a steady and calming hand in diplomacy.
In a statement, Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador James Manzou said the ministry learnt with great shock of the untimely death of Ambassador Mapanga.
“The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Ambassador Frederick M M Shava, the Deputy Minister, Honourable Dr D Musabayana, the Secretary, Ambassador J Manzou and the entire staff of the Ministry learnt with profound grief and sadness of the passing on of Ambassador Christopher Mapanga, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Iran and wish to express deep and heartfelt condolences to His Excellency the President, the Government of Zimbabwe, Mrs. Mapanga and children, as well as to the entire Mapanga family on this very sad and untimely loss,” said Ambassador Manzou.
He said the late Ambassador Mapanga, a born leader, mentored many people during his career that started in 1981.
“In Ambassador Mapanga, the Ministry has lost a steady and calming hand in Diplomacy. He was a born leader who mentored many officers currently serving both at Head Office and abroad. His entire adult life was spent in service to his country.
He was a hardworking diplomat, known for this dedication to duty, leadership skills, diligence as well as unfaltering loyalty to the Government of Zimbabwe,” said Ambassador Manzou.
He described Ambassador Mapanga as a modest man who touched the lives of those who he worked with.
“The late Ambassador was humble and modest, tenets that endeared him well to fellow workmates and acquaintances. His demise is not only a loss to his family, friends and relatives, but also to the Ministry, where his devotion to duty and leadership left an indelible mark. He will be sorely missed by all those touched by his illustrious life,” said Ambassador Manzou.
He said during his illustrious career, Ambassador Mapanga steadfastly defended the interests of the nation and was instrumental in the promotion of relations between Zimbabwe and the various countries where he served.
“The country has indeed lost a dedicated and astute diplomat. His demise has left a gaping hole that will be difficult to fill. As the family mourns its dearly departed, we pray that the Almighty gives them the much-needed strength and courage during this their darkest moment,” said Ambassador Manzou.
Ambassador Mapanga is survived by a wife and four children.
Ambassador Mapanga was born on July 16, 1952. He joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an Administrative
Assistant in 1981. He rose through the ranks to Administrative Officer, Assistant Secretary, Deputy Director and to Director.
The late Ambassador served in various capacities at a number of Zimbabwe’s Embassies abroad. He served as a Counsellor in Japan, Kenya and Namibia before becoming the country’s Counsel General to Johannesburg, South Africa.
He later moved to Moscow, Russia in 2011 as Minister Plenipotentiary. In 2014 he was appointed Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Egypt. In 2019 he was transferred to Tehran as Ambassador, a post he held until his untimely death. — Follow on Twitter @bonganinkunzi
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