Zimbabwean deminer Phillimon Gonamombe, 62, has been awarded an Honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by King Charles III for his outstanding contributions to safety in the Falkland Islands.
Gonamombe, who served as the operations manager, and his team of Zimbabweans worked on demining the Falkland Islands for 11 years, from 2011 to 2020. This initiative was funded by the United Kingdom under a programme that began in 2009. In 2020, Gonamombe and his team completed the demining of the Falklands, finishing three years ahead of schedule.
I spoke with Phillimon Gonamombe to understand what this recognition means to him personally and professionally.
What does receiving the Honorary MBE by King Charles III mean to you?
Gonamombe: Receiving the Honorary MBE is a profound honour. Personally, it is a validation of the years of dedication and hard work in the demining field. Professionally, it represents recognition of the collective efforts of all the brave men and women I’ve worked with over the years. This honour is a testament to our shared commitment to creating a safer world.
How did you get started in the field of demining? What motivated you to pursue such a challenging career?
Gonamombe: My journey into demining began with a strong desire to make a tangible difference in communities affected by the remnants of conflict. Realizing that landmines continued to cause harm long after wars had ended motivated me to take on this challenging career. It has been a calling to restore safety and peace in areas where people feared to tread.
What advice would you give to someone starting in this field?
Gonamombe: Never underestimate the impact you can have in making the world a better place. It takes courage and persistence, but the results are incredibly rewarding. For those considering a career in demining, my advice is to be prepared for challenges but stay focused on the end goal—saving lives and restoring hope to affected communities. Continuous learning and teamwork are key in this field.