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Herald Reporter
The late Ambassador Edmund Oswald Zivanai Chipamaunga, who died last Wednesday, was on Monday laid to rest at Warren Hills Cemetery in Harare.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Sibusiso Moyo described the death of Ambassador Chipamaunga as a loss to the whole nation.

Minister Moyo said this in a statement read on his behalf by director (human resources) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Mrs Petronella Nyagura at the burial of Ambassador Chipamaunga.

“The nation indeed lost a hard working, dedicated, exemplary and selfless patriot,” said Minister Moyo.

“The family should be consoled by the fact that the late ambassador’s death is an immeasurable loss not only to the Chipamaunga family, but also the ministry and entirety of the people of Zimbabwe. Ambassador Chipamaunga will be missed by those who worked with him both within and outside the country’s borders.”

Minister Moyo said Ambassador Chipamaunga was instrumental in shaping Zimbabwe’s relations with the USA following his posting to Washington in 1982.

“Ambassador Chipamaunga was among the first distinguished individuals to be recognised and appointed as ambassadors and high commissioners in a post independent Zimbabwe. As you are aware, our country needed to clearly define how it would relate with the global community after attaining its Independence in 1980. It was, therefore, critical to assemble the best team which would project the vision and aspirations of the new nation on the international stage.

“Consequently, Ambassador Chipamaunga was posted to Zimbabwe’s Mission in Washington as ambassador from 1982 to 1985, where he was instrumental in not only laying the groundwork for the country’s diplomacy as we know it today, but also contributed immensely in the shaping and development of diplomatic relations between Zimbabwe and the USA at the time.”

Due to his distinguished service, Ambassador Chipamaunga was also appointed Zimbabwe’s High Commissioner to Kenya and Uganda from 1986 and 1991.

Ambassador Chipamaunga’s burial was also attended by Zanu-PF Politburo member Cde Sydney Sekeramayi.

He is survived by three children and several grandchildren.