By Kudzai Makuku
When Pete Vowles was first announced as the British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, I was skeptical.
My initial thought was, here comes another diplomat, ready to make detached, baseless statements about our country as we have sadly seen far too often in the past. But I must admit, I was wrong. I have had to eat my words.
Ambassador Pete Vowles’ genuine love for Zimbabwe, combined with a deep understanding of our culture, people, and history, has proven to be a critical factor in revitalising the once strained relationship between the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe.
His personal story with Zimbabwe goes back to the early 1990s when he first came as a teacher. The fact that he returned back to Zimbabwe in the role of ambassador is remarkable, exactly what the phrase back to your roots means, but that’s a story for another day. For now, let’s focus on the incredible bridge building work he is doing between the UK and Zimbabwe. For those closely observing the dynamics between Zimbabwe and UK, it’s clear the winds of change are blowing in a positive direction.
As I look at it Ambassador Vowles connection to Zimbabwe is both personal and profound. His ability to engage with locals not from a place of superiority, but with genuine respect and empathy is rare in diplomatic circles. He doesn’t just speak about Zimbabwe, he speaks with Zimbabweans. And, impressively, he does so in our own local languages.
I recently watched a video of him cooking traditional Zimbabwean food while proudly wearing a Zimbabwean t-shirt. It wasn’t just a PR stunt. It was a heartfelt expression of solidarity, cultural appreciation, and a willingness to truly immerse himself in our way of life. His positivity, humility, and enthusiasm are genuinely inspiring.
Of course, like any representative of a foreign government, there will be areas where he may disagree with aspects of our governance or policies. But it is the way he engages through tact, diplomacy, and a clear desire for mutual progress that truly sets him apart. Ambassador Vowles embodies what modern diplomacy should look like ,principled yet respectful, firm yet fair, always solutions oriented this is the manual respect that Zimbabwe always demanded.
More importantly, he understands a fundamental truth, Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom need each other as equals and not the UK as a prefect of democracy with a big brother mindset something that a few bad apples like Lord Oates still suffers from. We share a long, complex, and sometimes painful history. But we also share the potential for a future grounded in cooperation and mutual benefit. In this post Brexit era, the UK is actively seeking strong, reliable global partnerships. Zimbabwe with its strategic importance, untapped potential, and historical ties to UK is a natural ally.
If there’s one appointment the UK Government got absolutely right, it’s this one. Unlike previous Labour administrations that often took a more adversarial approach to Zimbabwe, the current government appears committed to rebuilding trust and restoring bilateral ties and continuation from the Conservative Party government, the shift in tone is unmistakable and welcome.
Ambassador Vowles is leading one of the most significant rekindlings of UK-Zimbabwe relations in recent history. The New Dispensation, in turn, has created space for him to speak positively about Zimbabwe at every opportunity. I follow his social media accounts Twitter, Facebook and sometimes I wonder if he’s become Zimbabwe’s adopted son. Some might doubt it, but he clearly aligns with the side of progressive engagement.
Naturally, not everyone has caught up with this new reality as I said before. Some, like Lord Oates, remain stuck in a paternalistic and outdated mindset, believing that Zimbabwe can be bullied or lectured into submission. But that era is over. Zimbabwe will no longer tolerate being treated through the lens of colonial condescension. We are ready for partnerships based on mutual respect, shared interests, and sovereign equality.
Thanks to leaders like ambassador Pete Vowles, the bridge between Harare and London is being rebuilt one respectful dialogue, one cultural connection, and one shared vision at a time. There’s still much to be done, but for the first time in years, there is genuine hope.
