HARARE-Former Minister of Finance Patrick Chinamasa and Ambassador Andrew Mthethwa have been appointed to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Panel and Mediation Reference Group respectively

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International trade Spokesperson Levit Mugejo confirmed the appointments

“The appointments were made following approval by the 41st Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of state and Government held in Lilongwe Malawi in August 2021”

The panel of Elders and Mediation Reference Group are part of the SADC Mediation and Conflict Prevention and Preventative Diplomacy structure that was established by the SADC Heads of state and Government in August 2024

The structure is aimed at strengthening SADC’s mediation capacities and timeously pre-empt violent conflicts

The two members’ office terms will expire after four years in August 2025

The Ministry bragged about the appointment as they said that this is a good sign that the country is a producer of good leaders in the region

“we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the two on their appointments to these important assignments which aim to support the ongoing efforts of the SADC Heads of State and Government to promote peace and security in the region”

“Their appointments are a testimony to Zimbabwe’s ability to produce distinguished regional leaders,” said Mugejo

Chinamasa has held various government portfolios which includes Attorney General, Minister of Finance and Economic Development and Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs

While Ambassador Mtetwa is a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Former Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Belgium, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Zambia. He is currently a Senior Lecturer at the Zimbabwe National Defence University