FORMER Zimbabwean Ambassador to Malawi Thandiwe Dumbutshena died yesterday in Harare from Covid-19-related complications and has been accorded a State-assisted funeral.
Dumbutshena started serving in Malawi in 2004 and returned home in March 2018 after 14 years in Lilongwe, where she also served as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps. During her tour of duty, Ambassador Dumbutshena ensured bilateral and trade relations between the two republics were consolidated.
She was a headteacher in Zimbabwe before she was appointed Ambassador to Malawi by former President Robert Mugabe.
Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa, who directed that she be accorded a State-assisted funeral, has sent his condolences to the Dumbutshena family.
“With her death, our nation has one of its long-serving, loyal and faithful public servants,” he said. “To this day, we continue to build on the strong foundation which her years’ service established,” said Mnangagwa.
“On behalf of the Government, my family and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the Dumbutshena family. May they derive solace from the knowledge that the nation grieves with them.”
Malawi and Zimbabwe have had a close history for a long time. They share common values, history and culture. Along with Zambia, they were one country under the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. Malawi has a large Zimbabwean diaspora and Zimbabwe has a large Malawian diaspora.
Iharare
