JZ Moyo remembered as a political and military strategist

The late Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo, former vice-president of the Zimbabwe African People's Union (Zapu) and a key figure in the liberation struggle, was remembered last week as a master strategist, both politically and militarily, during a memorial event held by Ibhetshu LikaZulu and other stakeholders in Bulawayo.

Moyo, who was tragically killed in a parcel bomb attack on January 22, 1977, at the African National Congress (ANC) offices in Lusaka, Zambia, is remembered for his exceptional contributions to the anti-colonial struggle and his role in shaping Zimbabwe's liberation movement. Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding his death, which led to the dissolution of a commission of inquiry due to fears it would divide the liberation movement, Moyo's legacy continues to resonate in Zimbabwe's political and military history.

Senior educationist and Gukurahundi survivor Ben Moyo, who spoke at the memorial, highlighted the influential path JZ Moyo took in politics, beginning with his early involvement in the Southern Rhodesia African National Congress, followed by the National Democratic Party (NDP), and ultimately Zapu, where he served as treasurer-general and later as second vice-president.

"It was at Mzingwane that he earned the name Ziyaphapha because of his athletic prowess," Ben Moyo said. "He was also known as Makokoba, after the oldest suburb in Bulawayo. It is fitting that we hold this memorial lecture on Workers Day."

Ben Moyo also revealed little-known aspects of Moyo's political life, noting that he was one of the few black members of the Rhodesia Communist Party, which was eventually disbanded. Moyo's commitment to principled unity within the liberation movement is also highlighted by his rejection of extremist tactics in favor of more strategic, targeted actions.

One notable instance was when Moyo opposed a suggestion from James Chikerema during a joint Zapu/ANC campaign meeting in 1967. Chikerema had proposed sending a unit to attack white students at Plumtree High School to demonstrate their commitment to the armed struggle, but Moyo rejected the plan, emphasizing the need for freedom fighters, not terrorists. His position was supported by ANC's Oliver Tambo and Zapu's GD Ngwenya.

Moyo's contributions were not limited to military tactics. He was instrumental in reorganizing Zapu after the Wankie and Sipolilo campaigns, which led to the formation of Zipra, the armed wing of Zapu, under the leadership of Alfred Nikita Mangena. His foresight and leadership also led to the creation of the revolutionary war council in 1971.

Moyo's death at the hands of a parcel bomb was a tragic moment in Zimbabwe's liberation history. The bomb, sent by his girlfriend from Lusaka, was intercepted and replaced with explosives by post office personnel working in collaboration with those seeking to undermine the liberation movement. Moyo's last words, "umuntu uyakufa khona" – loosely translated as "a person is going to die there" – were both a joke and a chillingly prophetic statement of his fate.

Reflecting on Moyo's dedication to the liberation struggle, Ben Moyo also spoke about Moyo's international work. He was pivotal in building Zapu's ideological framework based on Marxism-Leninism and scientific socialism. Moyo's leadership and strategic alliances helped Zapu form strong ties with socialist countries and international trade unions, while also ensuring that Zapu camps were well-educated in the ideology that would guide their political and military actions.

Moyo's strategic thinking extended beyond military campaigns. He was a key figure in managing regional cooperation and unity among different liberation movements backed by the Soviet Union, organizing food aid for Zanu when they were struggling, and purging ultra-leftists from Zapu to maintain the party's unity.

JZ Moyo's legacy, despite the tragic circumstances of his death, continues to influence Zimbabwe's political and liberation history. As the country reflects on his contributions, it is clear that Moyo was not only a leader in the struggle for independence but also a visionary who understood the importance of unity, strategy, and the fight for genuine independence.

The memorial, attended by prominent stakeholders and liberation war veterans, continues to honor Moyo's remarkable life and his unflinching commitment to the cause of Zimbabwe's freedom.