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 the liberation of Zimbabwe 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, and 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.

As of August 2014, The Royal Order of Munhumutapa has been awarded to these 6 individuals. Tanzania is the only nation that has two recipients of the award.

Year	Recipient		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).

References

• "The Royal Order of Munhumutapa". SADC Today. Retrieved 2014-08-29.
• "Kenneth Kaunda, the Frontline hero". The Southern Times. Retrieved 2014-08-30.
• "Mugabe Honours Seretse Khama". Mmegi Online. Retrieved 2014-08-30.
• "SADC Launches Hashim Mbita Project to Honour Outstanding Leaders". The Maravi Post. Retrieved 2014-08-30.