Spanish Ambassador’s Death: Zimbabwe Loses A True Friend

The news of the death of H.E Pilar Fuertes Ferragut, the Spanish Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi came as an unbelievable shock to the many Zimbabweans who had come across her. She passed away after she was involved in a car accident in Namibia where she was on holiday yesterday afternoon.

A cool unassuming intellectual she served her country with elegance, style and distinction. She was the most socially connected ambassador I had ever interacted with, making herself available for engagements that many others would frown upon. She mingled with people and was always personable.

Tributes poured in to the late ambassador. Chiwoniso’s manager Tsungi Zvogbo who had had numerous interactions with Pilar (as she preferred to be called) said:

Devastating. Pilar was a beautiful, elegant and personable soul. She had love for Zimbabwean culture and a genuine willingness to assist in its development. An ambassador par excellence. She will be sorely missed. Que descanse en paz

Hope Masike, one of Zimbabwe’s fastest rising stars said:

What a loss! She was one of the most stylish diplomats I knew here in Zim; always well dressed. Almost always everywhere where there was art and cultural activities going on. She was really supportive of Zim arts. It’s a terrible, unexpected and untimely loss. May her soul rest in peace.

There were many more tributes across social media and on her wall, a testament to how loved Pilar was not just in her official capacity but as human being.

A Book of Condolences is open from today till Thursday this week and Tuesday April 10^th from 8 AM to 4 PM at the Embassy (16, Phillips Avenue in Belgravia).

Zimbabwe has lost a friend.