Zimbabwe’s Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Advocate Jacob Francis Nzwidamilimo Mudenda, has delivered a compelling charge to Members of the 10th Parliament, urging them to embrace diplomacy as an essential lever of national development, sovereignty, and international respect.
Speaking during the official opening of the second Diplomatic Training Workshop in Mutare, Speaker Mudenda did more than formally welcome participants, he laid down a roadmap for how Parliament must position itself as a central pillar in Zimbabwe’s foreign policy architecture. With the theme focused on Parliament’s role in international relations and the domestication of international agreements, the workshop served as a timely reminder that modern diplomacy is no longer the sole preserve of the Executive branch.
“Parliament is not just a legislative body, it is a diplomatic actor,” declared the Speaker, challenging legislators to develop not only legislative expertise but also refined diplomatic literacy, strategic thinking, and international presence. He stressed that parliamentary diplomacy must be grounded in Zimbabwe’s Constitution, particularly Section 12, which prioritizes peaceful cooperation, national interest, and pan-African solidarity.
Drawing from the philosophy of political theorist Hans Morgenthau and the wisdom of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Mudenda underscored that diplomacy is more critical in times of tension than peace. He noted that MPs must be equipped to advance Zimbabwe’s interests at home and abroad, particularly through active participation in forums such as the Pan-African Parliament, SADC Parliamentary Forum, and other multilateral platforms.
In linking foreign policy to the legacy of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, the Speaker warned against the subtle encroachment of foreign influence, disguised in the language of democracy promotion and aid. “Our sovereignty must be protected with the same vigilance with which it was won,” he said. At the same time, he welcomed genuine partnerships rooted in mutual respect and non-interference.
A strong advocate for Zimbabwe’s rebranding on the international stage, Mudenda cited Simon Anholt’s concept of national image, saying Zimbabwe must actively craft how it is perceived globally. “Our laws, our values, and our conduct as Parliament must reflect a Zimbabwe that is ready for investment, partnership, and respect.”
The workshop, attended by senior Parliament officials and diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also highlighted the need for MPs to master protocol, etiquette, and deportment. Mudenda reminded attendees that diplomacy is not just about policy, but also about posture. “How we speak, how we dress, how we engage, these details matter when you represent a nation.”
He closed with a call for collective effort: that Parliament, in unity with the Executive and civil society, must build a resilient diplomatic culture capable of navigating the complex currents of global politics while remaining anchored in national values.
As Zimbabwe continues its engagement and re-engagement thrust with the international community, Speaker Mudenda’s address provided more than guidance, it reaffirmed Parliament’s central role in shaping and defending the nation’s voice on the world stage.
