ADVICE MUKONO
The Diplomat of the Year Awards have, since inception in 2012, honoured 155 ambassadors from 25 missions accredited to Zimbabwe and brought together over 3 500 guests from the diplomatic community, business, government and development agencies.
Diplomat of the Year Awards founder, Reginald Chapfunga said this has been a story of consistency and persistence.
“Being endorsed by embassies and governments represented in Zimbabwe has not been easy. It takes consistency, hard work and professionalism. Even in the hardest of times, we felt obligated to honour outstanding ambassadors making an impact on Zimbabwe and its people. Starting in 2012, with only a few ambassadors, the event grew to become one of the biggest events on the diplomatic calendar.
“Besides the ambassadors one of our biggest recipients was the late former President of Zambia, H.E Kenneth Kaunda,” said Chapfunga.
The 2024 edition of the Awards dinner and ceremony held recently at Tongfu Restaurant in Harare lived up to billing, attracting over 200 guests.
Ten ambassadors, one head of multi-lateral organisations and three non-profit organisations that have been spearheading the attainment of the SDGs were also recognised.
The Diplomat of the Year Awards were established in 2012 by Diplomat Magazine with the prime objective of celebrating the contribution of all diplomats in Zimbabwe to the development of the country and its people.
EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Jobst von Kirchman won the overall award this year.
