HARARE – Acting President, General (Rtd) Dr. Constantino Chiwenga, has expressed deep sorrow following the passing of veteran diplomat, Ambassador Stuart Harold Comberbach, describing him as a seasoned patriot who dedicated his life to serving Zimbabwe with distinction.
Ambassador Comberbach, who once served as Zimbabwe’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, died on 4 September 2025 in the United Kingdom after battling pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife, Benedict Ann, and three children.
In a condolence message, Acting President Chiwenga paid tribute to Ambassador Comberbach’s five-decade-long service to the nation, highlighting his unwavering commitment to Zimbabwe both before and after independence.
“Ambassador Comberbach was a distinguished career diplomat whose patriotism was never in question. He was one of the few white citizens who chose to remain and serve the country after independence in 1980, when many others departed. He believed in the potential of our great nation and stood boldly as a citizen of Zimbabwe,” said Acting President Chiwenga.
Born on 27 September 1952 in Salisbury, now Harare, Ambassador Comberbach joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a cadet in 1971, later becoming a full-time civil servant in 1974. Over the years, he served as Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Italy, Japan, and South Korea, and also as a special advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. His last diplomatic posting was as Zimbabwe’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, which he completed in November 2024 before retiring.
Acting President Chiwenga praised Ambassador Comberbach’s role in advancing the Second Republic’s Engagement and Re-engagement policy under President Mnangagwa, noting his influence in integrating international trade into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and encouraging foreign investment.
“Through his advisory role, he was instrumental in strengthening Zimbabwe’s global relations and promoting the principle of being a friend to all and enemy to none. His service leaves an indelible mark not only on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade but on the Government as a whole,” the Acting President said.
On behalf of President Mnangagwa, the First Family, Government, ZANU PF, and the nation at large, Acting President Chiwenga conveyed heartfelt condolences to the Comberbach family.
“May they take comfort in knowing that their loss is shared by the whole nation in whose service he contributed immensely. May his dear soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.
Ambassador Comberbach will be remembered as a diplomat whose dedication, integrity, and patriotism transcended race and creed, enriching Zimbabwe’s national fabric.
