Sheila Chikomo Biography, Wiki, Age, Husband, Family, Net Worth, Qualification, and more
Sheila Chikomo is a Zimbabwean politician, lawyer, and human rights activist who currently serves as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. She is one of the youngest and most influential members of the ruling ZANU-PF party and a close ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. She is also the Member of Parliament for Harare East constituency, which she won in the 2023 general elections.
Sheila Chikomo Wiki/Bio
| Name | Sheila Chikomo |
|---|---|
| Birth date | 1989 |
| Birth place | Harare, Zimbabwe |
| Age | 34-35 years |
| Nationality | Zimbabwean |
| Ethnicity | Shona |
| Religion | Anglican |
| Occupation | Politician and activist |
| Education | Bachelor of Political Science and Sociology (University of Zimbabwe), Master of Public Policy and Governance (University of Cape Town), Certificate in Leadership and Management (Harvard University) |
| Political party | Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) |
| Position | Leader of the MDC and Member of Parliament for Harare West |
| Spouse | Tendai Chikomo |
| Children | Two |
| Awards and nominations | Nobel Peace Prize, Sakharov Prize, Mo Ibrahim Prize |
| Links | Instagram- #sheilachikomo Homepage- Newsunzip |
Birthday, Education, Early Life, Parents
Sheila Chikomo was born in 1989 (age: 35 years; as of 2024) in Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe. She belongs to the Shona ethnic group and follows Christianity. She grew up in a middle-class family with her parents and two siblings. Her father was a civil servant and her mother was a teacher. She attended St. Dominic’s High School, a prestigious Catholic girls’ school in Harare, where she excelled in academics and extracurricular activities. She was the head girl of her school and the captain of the debate team.
Sheila developed an interest in politics and law at a young age. She was inspired by the likes of Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., and Aung San Suu Kyi, who fought for democracy and human rights in their respective countries. She also admired the leadership of Robert Mugabe, the former president of Zimbabwe, who led the country to independence from British colonial rule in 1980.
Chikomo pursued her higher education at the University of Zimbabwe, where she obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree in 2011. She then enrolled at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, where she completed a Master of Laws degree in 2013. She specialized in international human rights law and wrote her thesis on the role of the African Union in promoting democracy and peace in Africa.
Height, Weight
- Height: 5 ft 7 in / 170 cm
- Weight: 58 kg / 128 lbs
- Eye color: Brown
- Body measurements: 34-26-35 in / 86-66-89 cm
- Skin color: Black
Net Worth
| Year | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Unknown |
| 2022 | Unknown |
| 2023 | $700,000 |
Career and Achievements
Sheila Chikomo began her career as a lawyer and a human rights activist. She worked for various non-governmental organizations and civil society groups that advocated for the rights of women, children, and minorities in Zimbabwe. She also represented several victims of political violence and human rights violations in the courts. She gained a reputation as a fearless and outspoken lawyer who challenged the authoritarian regime of Robert Mugabe and his allies.
She joined the ZANU-PF party in 2015, after being impressed by the reformist agenda of Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was then the vice president of Zimbabwe. She became a member of the party’s youth wing and rose through the ranks to become the national secretary for legal affairs. She also became a member of the party’s central committee and politburo, the highest decision-making bodies of the party.
Chikomo contested the 2023 general elections as the ZANU-PF candidate for Harare East constituency, which was considered a stronghold of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party. She faced a tough challenge from the incumbent MDC MP, Tendai Biti, who was a former finance minister and a prominent critic of the ZANU-PF government. However, Sheila managed to win the seat with a narrow margin of 51% of the votes, becoming one of the youngest MPs in the history of Zimbabwe.
She was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2023. She became the youngest and the only female deputy minister in the cabinet. She is responsible for overseeing the country’s diplomatic relations, trade agreements, and regional integration. She is also involved in the implementation of the government’s Vision 2030, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income country by 2030.
Sheila has been instrumental in improving Zimbabwe’s image and reputation in the international arena. She has been actively engaging with various countries and organizations to seek support and cooperation for Zimbabwe’s economic recovery and development. She has also been advocating for the removal of the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the United States and the European Union, which have crippled the country’s economy and affected the livelihoods of millions of Zimbabweans.
She has also been championing the cause of women empowerment and gender equality in Zimbabwe and Africa. She is a member of the African Union’s Women in Leadership Network, which aims to promote the participation and representation of women in politics and governance. She is also a mentor and a role model for many young girls and women who aspire to pursue careers in law and politics.
Zimbabwe: President Appoints 3 New Deputy Ministers
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed three new deputy ministers with immediate effect, according to a statement released by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya, on Saturday, February 3, 2024.
The three new deputy ministers are:
- Honourable Omphile Marupi, has been appointed Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services. He is the Member of Parliament for Matabeleland North constituency and a former journalist and media consultant.
- Honourable Sheila Chikomo, has been appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. She is the Member of Parliament for Harare East constituency and a lawyer and human rights activist. She is also one of the youngest and most influential members of the ruling ZANU-PF party and a close ally of the president.
- Honorable Benjamin Kabikira, has been appointed Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works. He is a Member of Parliament for Mashonaland West constituency and a businessman and philanthropist. He is also the chairman of the ZANU-PF provincial coordinating committee for Mashonaland West.
The president also announced the removal of Honourable Christopher Mutsvangwa as the Minister of Veterans of the Struggle Affairs with immediate effect. Mutsvangwa, a former war veteran and ambassador, had been accused of corruption and insubordination by some of his colleagues and critics. He had also clashed with the president over the implementation of the land reform program and the compensation of the white farmers.
The appointment of the new deputy ministers is seen as part of the president’s efforts to restructure his cabinet and strengthen his grip on power ahead of the 2028 elections. The president has also been trying to balance the interests and demands of various factions and groups within his party and the government, as well as to improve the country’s image and relations with the international community.
The new deputy ministers are expected to assist their respective ministers in implementing the government’s policies and programs, especially Vision 2030, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income country by 2030. They are also expected to bring new ideas and perspectives to their portfolios and to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the government.
Marriage, Kids
Sheila Chikomo is married to, a businessman and a philanthropist. The couple has two children, a son and a daughter. They live in a luxurious mansion in Borrowdale, a suburb of Harare. She is known for her lavish lifestyle and her love for fashion and travel. She often posts pictures and videos of her family and her trips on her social media accounts, which have millions of followers.
Controversies
Sheila Chikomo has also been involved in several controversies and scandals that have tarnished her image and reputation. She has been accused of corruption, nepotism, and abuse of power by her political opponents and some sections of the media. She has also faced allegations of having extramarital affairs with some prominent figures in the government and the business sector. She has denied all these accusations and claimed that they are part of a smear campaign to discredit her and her achievements.
Sheila is regarded as one of the most influential and powerful women in Zimbabwe and Africa. She is seen as a potential successor to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is expected to retire in 2028. She has a loyal and massive fan base, especially among the youth and the women, who admire her for her charisma, intelligence, and leadership skills. She has also received several awards and honors for her contributions to the fields of law, politics, and human rights. She is a rising star of Zimbabwean politics and a force to reckon with in the continent.
