By Muneyi Zavare
It’s often not easy to accept the passing of a loved one. The situation often brings a lot of emotions and also much reflection as the living process and remember the life of a loved one.
This has been the case for the family and friends of former Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) boss, Joseph Foroma who passed on the night of the 29th of August 2025 in Southend on Sea, England.
Mr Foroma, Baba Foro or Chirasha as he liked to be addressed by those he shared his jokes and laughter was born in July 1957 in Gokomere, Masvingo, then Fort Victoria, Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia). He grew up in a closely knit family of brothers and sisters (twelve in total) at their Chinatsira Farm in Chivhu, then known as Enkledoorn in Mashonaland East. His father, a teacher of repute had moved from his homestead of Zimuto in Masvingo, having bought a farm in Chivhu to embark on what most Zimbabweans are passionate about and known for, a farming career.
It’s often said somehow middle born children get to be forgotten and they kind of disappear somewhere within the family unit. Not so for Joseph who embraced the leadership and guidance of his elder brothers and sisters engrossing himself into education, becoming the most educated of all his siblings, he continued to love and respect for their care and support of him till his death. Joseph’s pursuit of academic excellence led him to sharing university places or seats with the likes of the current Zimbabwe’s ambassador to the UK, Colonel Rtd, Christian Katsande whom he developed a close friendship with. He attained a genuine PhD in Economics, however, because of his humbleness, he felt it unnecessary to burden himself or others by carrying along the title which comes with such an achievement as even less accomplished people do these days.
Foroma and Katsande, the two brilliant minds eventually worked alongside each other when Joseph Foroma was promoted to lead the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries 1989 to 1997 having joined the organisation in the second half of the 80s . With Ambassador Katsande chosen to lead the then Industry and Commerce ministry as Permanent Secretary, occupying the position on merit rather tribal or political favour.
Joseph rose through the ranks of CZI to eventually become it’s boss with no political connections, just on merit through a traceable record of honest, hard work, success and achievements in every capacity he served. Those were the years when the country was led by the late President RG Mugabe, and the current President, His Excellency Dr E.D Mnangagwa was working hard as a Finance Minister to stabilise the country’s economy following the unexpected effects of Economic Structural Adjustment (ESAP). And CZI was an important partner to achieve that stability.
The said leadership recognised Joseph Foroma’s diplomatic skills, his passion to advance trade between Zimbabwe and other countries including the United Kingdom. And appointed him Trade Attaché (Diplomat) to the United Kingdom shortly after the Labour Party of Tony Blair had come into power in 1997.
Continuous trade between the two countries plus the Republic of Ireland and the rest of Europe, given the influence of the UK was to hinge on the shoulders of this unassuming yet brilliant man. One we would regard as an unsung hero of Zimbabwe’s Third Chimurenga of economic emancipation.
When Joe Foroma was posted to The United Kingdom in 1997, all plausible intelligence reports were pointing to an emerging frosty economic relationship between Zimbabwe and Europe led by the United Kingdom.
Some might recall the unfortunate, disrespectful statements towards Zimbabwe coming from Westminster and Downing Street when the Labour Party government came into power in 1997. Clare Short who was then the UK Secretary of State for International Development decided to stir a hornets nest in terms of relations between the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe by absolving Britain of its colonial legacy and responsibility over Zimbabwe against the letter and spirit of the Lancaster House agreement which led to the 1980 surrender of the Ian Smith led Rhodesian Front, a surrogate of Britain.
That is the context in which Joseph, then in the middle years of his life became entrusted by the Zimbabwe government to keep trade relations going between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom. The objective being to secure jobs and livelihoods of ordinary Zimbabweans.
This is a role that he went on to perform with great skill, great knowledge, with a lot of sensitivity and hard work, day and night. He worked with tireless passion to ensure that his country got the best out of any relationship that it had with the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland as well as Europe in general.
Foroma’s only regret was that he could not stop either side’s politics making his job an unnecessary nightmare, leading to the United Kingdom unjustly mobilising Europe and the US to impose sanctions against Zimbabwe in 2001. Notwithstanding, he never gave up on his mission and mandate.
Mr Joseph Foroma served alongside esteemed patriots such as former Ambassador to the UK, Cde Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, Win Mlambo, Messrs Tachiveyi, Katsvara and a then young patriot Felicia Munjaidi who was Tourism Attaché.
“I worked hand in glove with Mr Foroma, a great trade attaché he was. VaForoma worked wholeheartedly and was forever professional. Learnt a lot from him”, said Munjaidi. “Honestly, difficult to comprehend he is late now”, she continued.
Such was how Joseph Foroma worked with and impacted people, ever ready to help, always available to impart knowledge and uplifting others.
That desire to impart knowledge led him to be an author of several books such as ‘Come laugh with me’, in which he gave in-depth meaning to the joke’s Zimbabweans share on a daily basis, very fascinating. Lourdes – “The Heart of God’s Mercy” in which he reflects on his Catholic upbringing and faith. His most recent publication in February 2025 was, “The Children Pray with St Bernadette: a children’s prayer” in which he teaches and encourages children to invest in prayer. All these are on Amazon for very affordable amounts.
Joseph Foroma had so much love for every single member of his wider family just as he loved and cared for all the people he came across. He ensured all his brothers and sisters together with their families were supported regardless. Whatever little he had, Chirasha believed it can be shared around and benefit all. Those who wanted further education or to develop themselves socially and economically, he supported and helped without reservation, not expecting anything in return.
An unsung hero who resisted all trappings that come with success. Served his country and family with utmost humility.
As plans are made to repatriate his body from the UK, a place he resided following his early retirement about a decade ago. The diligent amongst us, will remember and cherish how this humble Trade attaché (diplomat) helped, alongside others to keep the Zimbabwean economy afloat even as western imperialists sought to annihilate our economy and suppress black economic empowerment and emancipation.
Joseph Foroma will be laid to rest at Chinatsira Farm in Chivhu, Mashonaland East in due course, once all necessary arrangements are made.
The memory of this icon should not merely dissipate into oblivion. A Trade Attaché par excellence who kept his country afloat reminding us of diligence in duty execution.
The Almighty comes calling at everyone’s door if they would be ready and good to go.
Rest in Peace WaMambo, Chirasha weNgara, go well Dr Joseph Foroma.
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