Harare, 18 January 2025 - Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has conferred National Hero status on Chenhamo Chakezha Chimutengwende, a former political leader and honorary holder of the Cuba Friendship Association.
Mnangagwa deemed the former Minister of Information, Posts and Telecommunications worthy of the high honour for his contribution to the country before and after national independence.
The president announced the award, also given to the late Major General Solomon Siziba, after learning of the death at 81 of Chimutengwende, who was considered an important member of the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front Party (ZANU-PF).
According to Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Minister of Defence and ZANU-PF national chairperson, the historic leader of the Cuban solidarity organisation was a principled, persevering and consistent person, among other values.
Chimutengwende was first elected MP for the ruling party in 1985, a legislator for more than a quarter of a century and served as a minister for 14 years.
In his political career he served as deputy speaker of the Senate, member and head of Zimbabwe's delegation to the Pan-African Parliament.