The art of diplomacy and Charamba’s toxicity

By Trevor Ncube

Twice in as many weeks, first at the residency of the Swedish Ambassador and then at the British Ambassador’s residence, I witnessed Sheillah Chikomo, Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade put up a fine performance that made me proud.

Chikomo has presence and charisma on the stage. Her deportment, sense of humour and fine delivery are impressive.

Her performance and that of the British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pete Vowles turned the garden party in celebration of King Charles III’s birthday into an exquisite affair. Vowles has deployed an impressive arsenal of cultural and soft power diplomacy that appears to have reset the relationship between his country and Zimbabwe.

Vowles has immersed himself in our culture and familiarised himself with our languages. He makes being an ambassador look absolutely cool.

You cannot say the same of the lack of digital diplomacy that emanates from, Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, George Charamba’s X accounts. The difference between Chikomo and Charamba makes one wonder if they actually work for the same administration. If this is good cop and bad cop posturing then it is a hugely counterproductive one.

Following what appeared to be a diplomatic faux pas by President Emmerson Mnangagwa during his recent meeting with Russian President Vladimar Putin, Charamba heightened the tension between Zimbabwe and Zambia by threatening war on the latter for allegedly siding with the US. Charamba’s statements were seen as unequivocal support for Mnangagwa’s inelegant grovelling to Putin.

Charamba, said this, “We have tolerated nonsense for long. The wise will look at the Russia-Ukraine conflict and extract valuable lessons before it’s too late.”

After a Cabinet meeting a few days after Charamba’s outbursts Dr Jenfan Muswere, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister denied there was tension between the two Sadc member states adding, “Zambia is our neighbour. We are Siamese twins.” This is all confusing and no wonder Zambia said they would be seeking clarification from Zimbabwe. Don’t hold your breath waiting for a clarification from Mnangagwa.

Charamba’s hostile stance to Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema came to public attention soon after the 2021 defeat of President Edgar Lungu, who was a preferred candidate in the Mnangagwa administration. Charamba’s belligerency reached a zenith following the critical Sadc election observer mission report led by former Zambian Vice President Nevers Mumba.

Charamba has not been called to account for his frequent toxic fulmination against the opposition and Zimbabwe’s neighbours. He has done this for so long that we must conclude his boss agrees with him. But then this is the same boss who associates with Passion Java, Wicknell Chivayo and Pastor Uebert Angel, among many characters of disrepute.

Recall former First Lady Grace Mugabe excoriating Charamba for using the State-controlled Herald to attack Zanu PF colleagues, fanning conflicts in the ruling party and not supporting President Robert Mugabe. Charamba is indeed a senior civil servant, but he behaves like “Deputy God.”

Charamba’s belligerence and toxicity have remained a constant in both the Mugabe and Mnangagwa administrations. He is playing a leading role in poisoning the fabric of the nation and damaging relations with our neighbours.

Strategic government communication has some potential to build Brand Zimbabwe particularly if backed by appropriate actions and policies. Officials like deputy minister Chikomo would do with a consistent and supportive brand building message from the likes of Charamba. The positive results from Ambassador Vowles’s intentional style is proof our words are powerful weapons particularly when backed by concomitate actions.

Trevor Ncube is Chairman of Alpha Media Holdings and host of In Conversation With Trevor. This is an excerpt from the weekly Newsletter . Please subscribe for thought provoking fresh insights.

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In Conversation with Taurai Pambweyi

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