Chenhamo Chimutengwende facts for kids

Chenhamo Chakezha "Chen" Chimutengwende (born August 28, 1943 – died January 16, 2025) was a well-known politician from Zimbabwe. He served as a government minister, specifically the Minister of State for Public and Interactive Affairs. He was also a strong supporter of Robert Mugabe, who was the President of Zimbabwe. Chenhamo Chimutengwende was a Member of Parliament for 23 years. He lost his seat in the 2008 election. After his time in parliament, he became the chairman of the Zimbabwe Foundation for Sustainable Development in 2009.

Early Life and Education

Chenhamo Chimutengwende was born on August 28, 1943. During the 1960s and 1970s, he lived outside Zimbabwe in London, England. While there, he led a group called the Europe-Africa Research Project.

He was very dedicated to his studies. He earned two advanced degrees from the University of Bradford in England. He received a master's degree in social science. He also earned a PhD, which is a very high academic degree. His PhD research was about how mass media and the government affect a country's development. He also wrote a book called South Africa: The Press and the Politics of Liberation. This book was published in London in 1978.

Political Career in Zimbabwe

Chenhamo Chimutengwende played an important role in Zimbabwean politics. In the early 2000s, when relations between Zimbabwe and Britain became difficult, he was chosen to be a negotiator. Because he had lived in London and had many connections there, he tried to help improve the relationship between the two countries. However, his efforts did not fully succeed.

During the 2005 parliamentary election, Chenhamo Chimutengwende ran for re-election. His opponent, Shepherd Mushonga, questioned his support for President Mugabe. Chimutengwende responded by saying that he loved England, but he was a proud Zimbabwean. He won the election with a large number of votes. He received 18,041 votes, while Shepherd Mushonga received 7,567 votes.

From 2005, Chenhamo Chimutengwende was placed on a list of people facing United States sanctions. This meant there were certain restrictions placed on him by the United States government. He passed away on January 16, 2025, at the age of 81.