Tinotenda Hove – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has hailed a “special gift” from Lord Collins of Highbury as a sign of warming diplomatic ties between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom, framing the gesture as a symbolic win for his administration’s re-engagement policy.

The gift, presented by Lord Collins—a senior member of the British House of Lords—comes shortly after the UK eased sanctions on several high-ranking Zimbabwean officials, a move Harare is touting as proof that its diplomatic charm offensive is beginning to yield tangible results.

Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana confirmed the development on Wednesday, declaring it a milestone. “His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa receives a gift from Lord Collins of Highbury,” he said. “This symbolizes growing diplomatic warmth between Zimbabwe and its former colonial power.”

Mangwana was quick to tie the gesture to recent changes in British policy. “This gesture comes shortly after the UK removed several prominent Zimbabwean figures from its sanctions list,” he said. “It shows that our efforts under the banner of engagement and re-engagement are bearing fruit.”

The UK recently removed sanctions on individuals including Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture Hon. Gen (Rtd) Anselem Sanyatwe, Midlands Minister of State Owen Ncube, former CIO Director General Isaac Moyo, former Police Commissioner General Godwin Matanga, and the Zimbabwe Defence Industries.

President Mnangagwa’s administration has seized on the development to bolster its international image, promoting the gift as evidence that the West is warming to his government.

However, despite the official optimism, critics argue that such symbolic acts should not be mistaken for full diplomatic rehabilitation.

“A gift from a UK lord and the easing of a few sanctions should not be mistaken for international endorsement. Re-engagement should be rooted in reforms, not photo opportunities,” said one observer.

Another added, “These kinds of moments are useful for optics but mean little if Zimbabwe continues to suppress dissent, manipulate elections, and disregard the rule of law.”

Many remain unconvinced that the easing of a few targeted sanctions constitutes a major shift in international relations. Large portions of UK and international sanctions remain in place, and broader concerns about governance and democracy in Zimbabwe persist.

Nevertheless, state media and pro-government social media accounts have leaned into the narrative of progress, pushing hashtags like #Engagement and #Re-engagement to paint the moment as a diplomatic victory.