Royal Order of Munhumutapa

The Royal Order of Munhumutapa, named after a significant pre-colonial empire, is the highest award that Zimbabwe can bestow on a foreigner. The honour is bestowed on mostly political leaders of the Frontline States who provided solidarity and unity in supporting Zimbabwean independence and that of the Southern African region as a whole. The recipients of the honour are former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda, the late Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere, and the late founding presidents of Angola, Botswana and Mozambique, respectively Agostinho Neto, Seretse Khama and Samora Machel, and the last Executive Secretary of the Liberation Committee of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) – precursor to the African Union (AU) Retired Brigadier-General Hashim Mbita of Tanzania.

As of August 2014, The Royal Order of Munhumutapa has been awarded to these 6 individuals. Tanzania is the only nation that has two recipients of the award.

Year Recipients Country Rationale
2005 Julius Nyerere Tanzania For his exceptional accomplishments as the luminary and conscience of African nationalism, the fulcrum of liberation efforts in the region.
2005 Seretse Khama Botswana For his exceptional commitment to the eradication of colonial domination, unyielding dedication to pan-African ideas, and the pursuit of justice and equality.
2005 Kenneth Kaunda Zambia For his exceptional strength of resolve, selfless dedication, revolutionary leadership and outstanding contribution to the long and arduous struggle for equality, justice and self-determination.
2005 Samora Machel Mozambique For his exceptional revolutionary courage, unyielding determination, selfless dedication, inspirational leadership and outstanding contribution to the liberation struggle.
2005 Agostinho Neto Angola For his exceptional commitment, dedication, inspirational leadership and outstanding contribution to the liberation struggle.
2014 Hashim Mbita Tanzania For the important role he played in regional liberation as well integration during his 20-year tenure as the Executive Secretary of the Liberation Committee of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) – precursor to the African Union (AU).

References

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