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Mukudzei Chingwere Herald Reporter

The late Ambassador Thomas Mandigora was a selfless public servant, astute and dependable diplomat whose service to his country should be emulated by all, Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has said.

Ambassador Mandigora passed on at his Harare home on Saturday from effects of a stroke.

In his condolence message, Acting President Chiwenga said Ambassador Mandigora lived an exemplary life worthy emulation and his sad and untimely passing on, particularly at a time Zimbabwe is on an engagement and reengagement drive is a huge loss to the nation.

“… learnt with a heavy heart and deep sense of sorrow of the sad and untimely passing on of one of our most dedicated and dependable diplomats, Ambassador Thomas Mandigora,” said Acting President Chiwenga.

“Ambassador Mandigora, a fine gentleman and a selfless cadre who gave his life to the service and wellbeing of our country, died at his home from effects of a stroke on Saturday 20 May 2023. Ambassador Mandigora belonged to the rare breed of exceptional men who excelled in every role assigned to them in service of our country.

“His passing on at a time when Zimbabwe is pursuing engagement and reengagement as directed by His Excellency The President Dr ED Mnangagwa leaves, not only his family but the nation all the poorer as he was one of our senior diplomats who were providing the much needed mentorship and guidance to the new crop of diplomats.

“We will forever remain indebted to him for his immense selfless contribution to the development of our great nation. To the bereaved Mandigora family, I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences on this sad loss. The nation shares your loss and it is my hope that you will find solace and comfort in the exemplary life that he lived,” he said.

Like many selfless youths of his time, Ambassador Mandigora joined the liberation struggle in 1976 and underwent military training in Mozambique. He worked in the ZANU public relations department where he rose to becoming head of Publications.

In the PR department, he was part of the team that worked tirelessly to conscientize the masses on the importance of independence as well as countering colonial propaganda which was aimed at derailing the war effort.

After the liberation struggle, he joined the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) where he worked in various capacities. In 2005, he joined the diplomatic mission and was appointed Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Botswana where he served for 12 years.