The 14th Edition of the Diplomat Awards Ceremony will be held today at the Golden Cornifer in Harare.
In an interview with NewsDay Life & Style reporter Tendai Sauta (ND), Diplomat chief executive officer Reginald Chapfunga (RC) reflects on the organisation’s journey, its impact on diplomacy and plans for expansion.
Find excerpts below:
ND: Congratulations on marking 14 years of Diplomat and the Diplomat Awards. Looking back, what inspired you to create this platform and how has that vision evolved?
RC: When we founded the Diplomat in 2012, the goal was to create a platform that celebrates excellence in diplomacy while fostering engagement between nations, business leaders and cultural influencers.
At the time, there was a noticeable gap in platforms that humanised diplomacy. Today, that vision has evolved into a dynamic ecosystem that not only honours diplomatic achievement but also promotes dialogue, cultural exchanges and economic co-operation across Africa and beyond.
ND: What would you describe as the defining achievements of the Diplomat organisation during this journey?
RC: Establishing the Diplomat Awards as a respected and anticipated event on the diplomatic calendar is a key milestone. We have successfully bridged diplomacy with business, media and culture, creating a platform that is both celebratory and strategic.
ND: How does the Diplomat Awards selection process ensure credibility and relevance?
RC: Credibility is central. We use a rigorous and transparent framework that considers impact, leadership, innovation and contribution to diplomacy and development. Independent advisory panels and insights from diplomatic missions and regional experts guide the process.
ND: You are launching African Diplomat Magazine. What gap are you filling in diplomatic and lifestyle publishing?
RC: Traditional diplomatic reporting often focuses on policy and protocol.
Our publication highlights the human side of diplomacy, showing how it intersects with lifestyle, business and culture.
ND: How will the Diplomat Magazine adapt to digital disruption?
RC: We are positioning ourselves as a hybrid platform, using both print and digital channels to maximise reach. Online platforms, social media storytelling and multimedia content ensure accessibility, especially for younger, digitally- connected audiences.
ND: How does sport, particularly golf, serve your diplomatic objectives?
RC: The Diplomat Golf Day is a strategic networking platform. Golf fosters relationship-building in a relaxed yet professional environment, merging diplomacy with philanthropy and business development.
ND: What role does diplomatic spouses play in advancing soft power
RC: Diplomatic spouses play an incredibly important yet often understated role in international relations. Through the Diplomat Spouses Day, we recognise their contribution to soft power, cultural diplomacy and community engagement. They are ambassadors in their own right — championing charitable initiatives, fostering cultural understanding and strengthening people-to-people connections.
ND: What leadership principles have guided you over the past decade?
RC: Leadership has been about vision, resilience, adaptability, integrity and strong relationships. These principles have sustained and grown the organisation within Africa’s evolving diplomatic landscape.
ND: Which partnerships are key for the next phase of growth?
RC: We are prioritising collaborations with regional institutions, international organisations, diplomatic missions and private sector players to support publishing ambitions, event expansion and our mission to promote diplomacy and development across Africa.
ND: What legacy do you hope to leave for future African diplomats, entrepreneurs and media professionals?
RC: We want the Diplomat organisation and the Diplomat Awards to inspire the next generation of African diplomats, entrepreneurs and media professionals — to show them that diplomacy is not just about policy, but about people, relationships and impact. If we can continue to shape narratives, build bridges and celebrate African excellence, then we will have achieved something truly meaningful.