Mphoko told son not to attend his funeral

Siqokoqela Mphoko, son of the late former vice president Phelekezela Mphoko, has opened up about his decision not to attend his father's funeral, explaining that he was fulfilling his father's explicit wish. Phelekezela Mphoko, 84, passed away on December 6 in India where he had sought medical treatment. He was buried in his Bulawayo home on December 10, with the government declaring him a national hero for his contributions to the country's liberation struggle.

In a candid and exclusive interview with Southern Eye, Siqokoqela, who had been estranged from his father for the last two years, explained the painful history behind their rift. "I did not attend my father's funeral as I was fulfilling his wish," Siqokoqela stated. "He told me through messages and conversations that if any member of our family dies, I should not set foot there."

The tension between Siqokoqela and his father had been building for years, with Siqokoqela attributing their estrangement to what he described as false accusations against him, including a rape charge. Siqokoqela had been accused of raping his 12-year-old niece but was acquitted in October 2023 when the High Court overturned his conviction and 20-year sentence. He maintained that the accusations were part of a larger plot to ruin his reputation.

"There was a lot that didn't add up in the accusations," he explained. "The timeline of the alleged incident and the child's testimony didn't align. Even during that time, my father referred to a ‘case hanging over my head' through a lawyer. What case? I've done nothing wrong."

Siqokoqela shared WhatsApp messages and court recordings with Southern Eye to back up his claims, asserting that the charges were an attempt to alienate him from his family.

"I believe this wasn't just an attack on me - it was an attack on my entire lineage and my children," Siqokoqela added, noting the impact the situation had on his family. "My kids are at critical ages right now. They need both parents, and I've fought hard to be there for them."

Siqokoqela was informed of his father's death by a member of the ZANU-PF party, shortly after the news broke. He admitted he had no prior knowledge of his father's illness or his time in India, as no one from the family had communicated with him. "I wasn't even aware that he was in India or that he was sick," he said. "When I got the call, I was confused and had to process the news quietly. I wasn't surprised, though. This was the path we had taken as a family."

The decision not to publicly mourn his father's death has attracted criticism, especially after Siqokoqela posted about business matters on social media shortly after the news broke. He defended his actions, saying, "Life continues. My focus remains on my children and my work. I have been living this way for years, by the grace of God. Nothing has changed."

Reflecting on the strained relationship, Siqokoqela admitted the situation was difficult but said he had no regrets. "How do you come back from that? How do you recover from something like this? It's not easy. It feels like a divorce," he said. "I don't want to be a hypocrite or a liar. I'm speaking from my heart and soul."

Despite the passing of his father, Siqokoqela stated he saw no reason to attempt reconciliation after his father's death. "What was left to sort out? I am a man of integrity, and I stand by my decisions. My father made his choices, and I made mine. It's unfortunate that he is no longer here, but I saw no reason to attend the funeral when I was told I wasn't welcome."

Siqokoqela emphasized that his focus is now on rebuilding his life and providing for his family. "For the past three or four years, I have been fighting to clear my name and rebuild my life. My energy is now focused on my children, my business, and building my legacy."

As the Mphoko family continues to mourn their patriarch, Siqokoqela's absence at the funeral highlights the unresolved tensions that divided father and son, underscoring the deep personal complexities surrounding their relationship.