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, 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 and perhaps, most remarkably, Fr. Paschal Slevin OFM, an Irish missionary priest.

As of August, 2017 The Royal Order of Munhumutapa has been awarded to these 7 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).
2017	Fr. Paschal Slevin OFM, Wedza, Zimbabwe, December, 1985	Fr. Paschal Slevin OFM	Ireland	For having supported the cause of the liberation struggle in Zimbabwe while a missionary priest at Mount St Mary’s Mission in Hwedza. He assisted liberation cadres during the struggle to cross into Zambia, including ZDF Commander General Constantine Chiwenga and Air Force of Zimbabwe Air Marshal Perence Shiri. He was deported to Ireland by the illegal Smith regime in 1977. After independence, he returned and continued to work tirelessly for the development of Zimbabwe.

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