John Landa Nkomo Trust mourns National Hero Mphoko

BULAWAYO - The John Landa Nkomo Memorial Trust would like to convey it's most sincere condolences to the family of the late former Vice President Phelekezela  Mphoko,  His Excellency President Dr E.D Mnangagwa and the entire nation following the passing on of the former Vice President in India on Friday, 6 December 2024.

As a Trust we are deeply saddened by the passing away of Cde Mphoko, who took over the nation's vice presidency from late VP, John Landa Nkomo.

The two closely worked together right from the early days of the liberation struggle under Zapu, making huge sacrifices and exhibiting a deep passion to end colonialism.
Their passion to serve the country continued after attaining Independence as they fought for economic prosperity for the majority of Zimbabweans.

The late VP Mphoko and the late VP  Nkomo retained a close relationship throughout the struggle days, after Independence and right up until the passing of the latter who passed on in 2013.

Senior struggle stalwart, Senator Angeline Masuku, who is a Trustee of the JL Nkomo Trust said JL and Cde Mphoko had a very close relationship right from the days of the struggle although few were aware of their close relationship.

She said it was befitting that President E.D Mnangagwa bestowed the highest honour in the country of National Hero for Cde Mphoko as he was deserving due to his commitment and sacrifices he made both before and after the liberation struggle.


"We respect him for the work he did during the country's fight for liberation and we got to know that he was not just committed to fighting against the settler regime but went beyond that seeking economic emancipation for the people and battling against neocolonialism.

"Following in the footsteps of JL, who dedicated his life to the improvement of the people's well being both economically and health wise, the late VP Mphoko showed similar compassion.
"Late VP Mphoko was appointed to various positions culminating in his appointment as Vice President by the late His Excellency and founding President Cde R.G Mugabe and he continued his fight to improve the people's lives through seeking to empower women and youth in various projects as he did in suburbs such as Mzilikazi, Njube, Nkulumane and Sidojiwe and even assisted churches."

Another Trustee, who is also a liberation war detainee, Cde Public Nkomo and young brother to JL said Cde Mphoko showed a tremendous spirit of unity and was instrumental in the setting up of ZIPA.

"Late VP Mphoko worked closely with Cde John Landa Nkomo and the Trust recognises the contributions he made towards supporting the legacy of JL Nkomo."

The Chairman of the Trust, son to late VP John Landa Nkomo, Jabulani Nkomo said late Cde Mphoko was one of the first people to honour the legacy of JL through donating a floating trophy earmarked for Tsholotsho Inter Schools competition under the banner of the John Landa Nkomo Sports Tournament.
"When my father was in hospital in his last days, Cde Mphoko made efforts to visit from his base in Botswana and if he was unable to come through, he would regularly call me to enquiring how the old man is feeling.
"He was eager to see the continued legacy of my father, a testimony to the close relationship they shared."

Senator Masuku said they hope current and future generations will be inspired by sacrifices made by these two great men and continue fighting for their country against neocolonialism and for economic Independence.

As a Trust we mourn the national hero together with umama Mphoko and the rest of the Mphoko family.