HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s sweeping shakeup of Zimbabwe’s diplomatic service is underway, with Rwanda on Tuesday announcing it had approved the appointment of Helliate Rushwaya as Harare’s new ambassador to Kigali.

ZimLive reported in August that Mnangagwa had recalled almost all of Zimbabwe’s ambassadors abroad, with some facing permanent recall while others would be reassigned to new missions.

Rushwaya, the chairperson of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, is the first of Mnangagwa’s new crop of diplomats to be publicly announced, although the confirmation came from the receiving country.

Following a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Rwanda announced: “Cabinet granted agreement to the proposed ambassadors as follows: Ms Helliate Rushwaya, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Republic of Zimbabwe to the Republic of Rwanda, with residence in Kigali.”

She replaces Charity Manyeruke, a former University of Zimbabwe professor.

Zimbabwe’s ambassadors to the United Nations and the United States will remain in their posts, along with about four others. But around 21 ambassadors, including the UK ambassador, retired army colonel Christian Katsande, are expected to be recalled or reassigned by the time the exercise is complete.

Among those being considered for diplomatic postings, ZimLive understands, are retired Lieutenant General Engelbert Rugeje and former ministers Miriam Chikukwa and Mike Bimha.

Proposed ambassadors must receive approval from their host countries, which can reject nominees. Governments typically avoid publicly announcing appointments before the receiving country has given its consent.

Mnangagwa has directed Zimbabwe’s diplomats to adopt a new approach to foreign service, prioritising tourism promotion, trade and investment while working to end the country’s international isolation.

Addressing the country’s diplomats in 2024, Mnangagwa said: “Your duty is to project a positive image of Zimbabwe, showcasing our achievements and the progress we have made in various sectors, including agriculture, mining, and education.”

The 84-year-old leader has reportedly told aides that some diplomats have underperformed, while others have remained at the same postings for too long.