News / National
Mphoko remembered for his role in regularising undocumented Zimbabweans in SA
10 Dec 2024 at 06:47hrs | Views
The late former Vice-President, Phelekezela Mphoko, has been hailed for his pivotal role in advocating for the regularisation of undocumented Zimbabweans in South Africa during his tenure as Ambassador in 2010. Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, highlighted his efforts, describing him as a compassionate leader committed to improving the lives of his countrymen abroad.
Mphoko passed away in India last Friday, where he had sought medical attention following a short illness. President Mnangagwa has since declared him a National Hero, and his remains will be repatriated for burial at the National Heroes Acre.
Defender of Zimbabweans Abroad
In 2010, South Africa introduced the Dispensation of Zimbabweans Programme (DZP), a groundbreaking initiative to regularise the status of undocumented Zimbabweans. The programme provided humanitarian relief by allowing migrants to work, study, and conduct business legally between January 2010 and December 2014.
"When uBaba Mphoko was the Ambassador of Zimbabwe to South Africa, he was touched by the plight of our children who worked in South Africa without proper documentation. The undocumented status meant our children were victims of xenophobic attacks, and the late former Vice-President used his role as Ambassador to convince the South Africans to regularise the stay of Zimbabweans in that country," Minister Ncube told mourners at the late leader's residence in Douglasdale, Bulawayo.
A Distinguished Diplomatic Career
Mphoko served as Ambassador to South Africa in 2010 before being appointed Vice-President in 2014. His diplomatic career also included ambassadorial roles in Russia and Botswana, where he represented Zimbabwe with distinction.
Minister Ncube recalled her last interaction with him during Zanu-PF's People's Conference in October. "I noticed he had lost a bit of weight, but he was otherwise okay," she said.
A Period of Loss for Southern Zimbabwe
Minister Ncube noted that the past few months had been challenging for Bulawayo and the southern region, with the loss of three prominent figures: Tshinga Dube, historian Pathisa Nyathi, and now Mphoko.
"It's been a difficult time for us. Losing uBaba Mphoko feels like losing a pillar of wisdom and guidance," she said.
Legacy of Liberation and Mentorship
Dr Evelyne Ndlovu, Minister of Matabeleland South for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, praised Mphoko's unwavering commitment to justice, recalling his decision to join the liberation struggle to fight against racial oppression.
"It's unfortunate he passed away without documenting the cruelty of white settlers and how their treatment forced many of us into the liberation war. He always took his time to mentor others and share his vast knowledge," Dr Ndlovu said.
Mphoko's children, Sikhumbuzo and Siduduzo, are expected in the country today to join family and friends in mourning the loss of a man described as a selfless patriot and mentor to many.
His burial at the National Heroes Acre will commemorate his enduring contributions to Zimbabwe's liberation and development.
Mphoko passed away in India last Friday, where he had sought medical attention following a short illness. President Mnangagwa has since declared him a National Hero, and his remains will be repatriated for burial at the National Heroes Acre.
Defender of Zimbabweans Abroad
In 2010, South Africa introduced the Dispensation of Zimbabweans Programme (DZP), a groundbreaking initiative to regularise the status of undocumented Zimbabweans. The programme provided humanitarian relief by allowing migrants to work, study, and conduct business legally between January 2010 and December 2014.
"When uBaba Mphoko was the Ambassador of Zimbabwe to South Africa, he was touched by the plight of our children who worked in South Africa without proper documentation. The undocumented status meant our children were victims of xenophobic attacks, and the late former Vice-President used his role as Ambassador to convince the South Africans to regularise the stay of Zimbabweans in that country," Minister Ncube told mourners at the late leader's residence in Douglasdale, Bulawayo.
A Distinguished Diplomatic Career
Mphoko served as Ambassador to South Africa in 2010 before being appointed Vice-President in 2014. His diplomatic career also included ambassadorial roles in Russia and Botswana, where he represented Zimbabwe with distinction.
Minister Ncube recalled her last interaction with him during Zanu-PF's People's Conference in October. "I noticed he had lost a bit of weight, but he was otherwise okay," she said.
A Period of Loss for Southern Zimbabwe
Minister Ncube noted that the past few months had been challenging for Bulawayo and the southern region, with the loss of three prominent figures: Tshinga Dube, historian Pathisa Nyathi, and now Mphoko.
"It's been a difficult time for us. Losing uBaba Mphoko feels like losing a pillar of wisdom and guidance," she said.
Legacy of Liberation and Mentorship
Dr Evelyne Ndlovu, Minister of Matabeleland South for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, praised Mphoko's unwavering commitment to justice, recalling his decision to join the liberation struggle to fight against racial oppression.
"It's unfortunate he passed away without documenting the cruelty of white settlers and how their treatment forced many of us into the liberation war. He always took his time to mentor others and share his vast knowledge," Dr Ndlovu said.
Mphoko's children, Sikhumbuzo and Siduduzo, are expected in the country today to join family and friends in mourning the loss of a man described as a selfless patriot and mentor to many.
His burial at the National Heroes Acre will commemorate his enduring contributions to Zimbabwe's liberation and development.
Source - The Chronicle
