Chief Charumbira steps down as PAP president

CHIEFS Council deputy president, Fortune Charumbira, has stepped down as president of the Pan-African Parliament following the expiry of his term in April, bringing to a close a tenure widely credited with elevating the institution's influence on the continent.

Chief Charumbira, who assumed the presidency in 2022 after previously serving as vice president of the continental legislative body, handed over leadership to Algerian legislator Fareham Boutbig.

His departure from the helm of the Pan-African Parliament was marked by continental recognition after he was conferred with the African Royal Award in honour of his leadership, statesmanship and contribution to strengthening Africa's governance institutions.

The award was presented during a Special Royal Summit hosted by the Institute of African Royalty in partnership with Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa.

The gathering brought together kings, queens, princes, princesses, sultans and chiefs from across Africa's five regions in a celebration of traditional leadership and African unity.

Organisers said the award recognised Chief Charumbira's historic achievement as the first traditional leader and African royal to ascend to one of the highest leadership positions within the structures of the African Union.

During his tenure, Chief Charumbira was credited with transforming the Pan-African Parliament into a stronger voice for Africa while promoting parliamentary diplomacy, continental integration and the inclusion of traditional leadership in governance and development initiatives.

African traditional leaders praised his efforts in advancing the interests of traditional institutions and communities across the continent.

"We are immensely proud of The Mambo Chief Fortune Charumbira. In recognition of his monumental contribution and his unwavering commitment to elevating the institution of traditional leadership, the traditional authorities of Africa expressed their profound gratitude and spoke with one voice in honoring his remarkable legacy," said Tanyi Tambe Ayuk.

Secretary-General of CONTRALESA, Zolani Mkuya, described Chief Charumbira's achievements as a victory for traditional leaders across the continent.

"His achievement is not his alone—it is the success of us all. There is no doubt that The Mambo stands among the great icons of our continent and beyond, a distinguished leader whose vision, dedication and service have brought honour to Africa's traditional institutions," he said.

The summit also underscored the continuing role of traditional institutions in promoting peace, preserving cultural heritage, strengthening social cohesion and advancing sustainable development throughout Africa.

Meanwhile, police are investigating a hit-and-run accident in Norton that left a 42-year-old pedestrian with a fractured leg.

According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the incident occurred at around 11pm on June 1 along the Harare-Bulawayo Road near a tiling company in Norton when an unidentified motorist allegedly struck the pedestrian before fleeing the scene.

The injured man was taken to Harare Hospital, where he remains admitted and receiving treatment.

Police have appealed to members of the public with information that may assist in identifying the driver involved, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident continue.