Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has joined the nation in mourning the death of Ambassador Victor Matemadanda, Zimbabwe's top diplomat to Mozambique and the Kingdom of Eswatini, who passed away on Sunday, 21 June 2026.
In a message of condolence, Chiwenga described Matemadanda as a dedicated liberation war veteran and committed public servant who served Zimbabwe with distinction in both government and diplomacy. The Vice President extended his deepest sympathies to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Matemadanda family, and the nation at large.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade confirmed that Ambassador Matemadanda died in the early hours of Sunday morning. In an official statement, ministry spokesperson Mrs Philisiwe Chidawanyika said the country had lost a seasoned diplomat who worked tirelessly to strengthen Zimbabwe's bilateral relations with Mozambique and Eswatini.
"Ambassador Matemadanda was, at the time of his death, responsible for strengthening Zimbabwe's relations with the Republic of Mozambique and the Kingdom of Eswatini," the ministry said. "The Ministry is deeply saddened by his untimely death."
Matemadanda, 66, was a former ZANU PF national political commissar and ex-deputy minister of defence and war veterans affairs. He was appointed Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Mozambique, with additional accreditation to Eswatini, in March 2021.
Colleagues remember him as a fearless liberation struggle stalwart who remained outspoken on national issues throughout his political and diplomatic career. War veterans' associations and ZANU PF officials have also paid tribute, describing him as a brave leader who never shied away from speaking his mind.
Matemadanda has since been declared a national hero and is set to be buried at the National Heroes Acre in Harare. Funeral arrangements are being finalised by the government.
President Mnangagwa, Vice President Kembo Mohadi, and other senior officials are expected to attend memorial services as the nation bids farewell to one of its veteran diplomats and freedom fighters.
