Zimbabwe Ambassador Comberbach dies at 72

Zimbabwe is mourning the passing of Ambassador Stuart Comberbach, who succumbed to cancer-related complications in the United Kingdom on Thursday. He was 72.

Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga expressed profound sorrow over the loss of a distinguished diplomat and public servant whose career spanned nearly five decades. "During his five decades of professional service to the Government, Ambassador Comberbach demonstrated a rare and unwavering commitment to duty," Dr Chiwenga said. "His patriotism was never in question, and he believed that our differences in race, colour and creed only served to enrich our shared humanity as one family in a unified Zimbabwe."

On behalf of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the First Family, Government, ZANU-PF, and the nation, Dr Chiwenga extended condolences to Mrs Comberbach and the family, noting that the country shared in their loss.

Ambassador Comberbach held several key diplomatic and government positions throughout his illustrious career. He served as Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador to Italy, Japan, and South Korea, and as Special Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade from 2018 to 2021. Between 2014 and 2018, he was Secretary of the Corporate Governance Unit in the Office of the President and Cabinet, and he also served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and International Trade from 2000 to 2003. Earlier in his career, he headed the Zimbabwe Trade Mission and later the Zimbabwe Representative Office in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 1987 to 1994.

Widely respected for his advocacy of Zimbabwe's interests on the international stage, Ambassador Comberbach was a steadfast voice for the country, contributing significantly to strengthening Zimbabwe's diplomatic profile. His legacy is remembered as one of professionalism, dedication, and unwavering service to the nation.