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Mnangagwa declares Mphoko a national hero
06 Dec 2024 at 17:41hrs | Views
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed deep sorrow following the passing of former Vice President and liberation war stalwart, Ambassador Phelekezela Mphoko, who succumbed to a long illness. Mnangagwa described Mphoko as a versatile and dedicated patriot whose contributions to Zimbabwe's independence and development were immeasurable.
In his condolence message, Mnangagwa highlighted Mphoko's pivotal role in the liberation struggle, where he was among the early architects and commanders of the armed movement against colonial oppression. Trained in various countries, including the Soviet Union, Mphoko specialized in logistics, ensuring the movement of critical war supplies to sustain the liberation effort.
"With his sad departure, our Nation has lost yet another stalwart of the Liberation Struggle whose contribution to our hard-won Independence can hardly be overstated," Mnangagwa said.
Diplomatic and Political Legacy
After independence, Mphoko transitioned into diplomacy, serving in key ambassadorial roles, including as Zimbabwe's representative to the Russian Federation. His early exposure to diplomacy during the liberation struggle laid the foundation for his distinguished career.
Mnangagwa also commended Mphoko's contributions to the post-independence government, culminating in his appointment as Vice President. Even after leaving office, Mphoko remained active in the ruling ZANU PF party, supporting its initiatives, including the 2023 harmonized elections.
National Hero Status
In recognition of Mphoko's sacrifices and service, the ZANU PF Politburo unanimously accorded him National Hero status, a rare honor reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Zimbabwe's history.
"His appointment as Vice President of our Nation was both deserved and consistent with his sacrifice and long service to his people who today grieve and mourn his untimely departure," Mnangagwa stated.
Condolences to the Mphoko Family
On behalf of ZANU PF, the government, and his family, Mnangagwa extended heartfelt condolences to Mphoko's wife, children, and extended family.
"As they go through the motions of grief, may they derive solace from the knowledge that we mourn and stand with them in this darkest hour, always recalling with awe and admiration the huge and selfless contribution which Cde Mphoko made towards Zimbabwe's Independence and subsequent development after 1980," he said.
Mphoko's burial arrangements are yet to be announced, but as a National Hero, he is set to be interred at the National Heroes Acre in Harare.
A Legacy of Sacrifice
Mphoko's passing marks the loss of yet another of Zimbabwe's liberation-era leaders, whose life was defined by unwavering dedication to the nation's freedom and progress. As the nation mourns, it also celebrates his lasting legacy.
In his condolence message, Mnangagwa highlighted Mphoko's pivotal role in the liberation struggle, where he was among the early architects and commanders of the armed movement against colonial oppression. Trained in various countries, including the Soviet Union, Mphoko specialized in logistics, ensuring the movement of critical war supplies to sustain the liberation effort.
"With his sad departure, our Nation has lost yet another stalwart of the Liberation Struggle whose contribution to our hard-won Independence can hardly be overstated," Mnangagwa said.
Diplomatic and Political Legacy
After independence, Mphoko transitioned into diplomacy, serving in key ambassadorial roles, including as Zimbabwe's representative to the Russian Federation. His early exposure to diplomacy during the liberation struggle laid the foundation for his distinguished career.
Mnangagwa also commended Mphoko's contributions to the post-independence government, culminating in his appointment as Vice President. Even after leaving office, Mphoko remained active in the ruling ZANU PF party, supporting its initiatives, including the 2023 harmonized elections.
National Hero Status
"His appointment as Vice President of our Nation was both deserved and consistent with his sacrifice and long service to his people who today grieve and mourn his untimely departure," Mnangagwa stated.
Condolences to the Mphoko Family
On behalf of ZANU PF, the government, and his family, Mnangagwa extended heartfelt condolences to Mphoko's wife, children, and extended family.
"As they go through the motions of grief, may they derive solace from the knowledge that we mourn and stand with them in this darkest hour, always recalling with awe and admiration the huge and selfless contribution which Cde Mphoko made towards Zimbabwe's Independence and subsequent development after 1980," he said.
Mphoko's burial arrangements are yet to be announced, but as a National Hero, he is set to be interred at the National Heroes Acre in Harare.
A Legacy of Sacrifice
Mphoko's passing marks the loss of yet another of Zimbabwe's liberation-era leaders, whose life was defined by unwavering dedication to the nation's freedom and progress. As the nation mourns, it also celebrates his lasting legacy.
Source - byo24news
