This is the biography of Frederick Musiiwa Makamure Shava, a Zimbabwean politician, former ambassador and cabinet minister. He has held various significant positions in the Zimbabwean government and international organisations. Shava is currently the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, a position he has held since February 2021.
Early Life and Education
Frederick Shava was born on 20 March 1949 in Chivi, Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). He attended St. Ignatius College in Chishawasha for his secondary education. Shava pursued higher education at the University of Zambia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He furthered his studies at Imperial College London, obtaining a Master of Science in Nematology. Additionally, he holds a Master of Philosophy and a Doctor of Philosophy in Parasitology from Royal Holloway College.
Frederick Shava Early Political Career
Shava’s political career began in 1981 when he was appointed as the Minister of Labour, Manpower Planning, and Development in Robert Mugabe’s government. In this role, he focused on employment opportunities and labour force management. In 1987, he was appointed Minister of State for Political Affairs.
Frederick Shava Willowgate Scandal
In 1989, Shava was involvement in the Willowgate motor scandal. Government ministers bought Toyota Cressida cars at a discount at Willowvale Motor Industries and sold them at inflated prices. The Chronicle exposed the corruption.
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Shava was convicted of perjury related to the scandal and subsequently dismissed from the cabinet. However, he was later pardoned by President Robert Mugabe, allowing him to return to public service.
Frederick Shava Biography [Image: Facebook]
Frederick Shava Diplomatic Career
Shava served as Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to China from 2007 to 2014. During his tenure, he worked to strengthen bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and China. In 2014, he was appointed as Zimbabwe’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. He held this position until 2021. While at the UN, Shava served as the President of the UN Economic and Social Council, highlighting his diplomatic influence.
Return to Cabinet
In February 2021, Shava was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Shava also became a member of the Senate representing Midlands Province on 17 March 2021, succeeding the late Sibusiso Moyo in both roles.
Recent Developments
In August 2024, Shava was elected as the Council Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Frederick Shava Personal Life
Shava is married to Beatrice Foya Shava. The couple has children.
References
- Meet Zimbabwe’s Frederick Shava who has been Cabinet Minister for 42 Years – Who Owns Africa
- About: Frederick Shava – DBpedia Association
- H.E. Mr. Frederick Musiiwa Makamure Shava, Seventy-Second President of the Economic and Social Council – Powering The Future We Want
