Tributes pour in for hero Mphoko

Zimbabwe is mourning the passing of former Vice President and decorated liberation war hero, Phelekezela Report Mphoko, who died in India on Friday at the age of 84.

The late national hero, remembered as a patriot who dedicated his life to the country's liberation and development, succumbed to a long illness. Preparations are underway to repatriate his body for burial.

Tributes from Leadership

Vice President Kembo Mohadi described Mphoko as a tireless worker for Zimbabwe.

“We received the news of the passing on of Mphoko with shock and sadness," said VP Mohadi through Dr. Clever Chirume, the Chief of Staff in his office.

He praised Mphoko's contributions to Zimbabwe's independence and post-liberation development, highlighting his active role in ZANU-PF's decisive victory in the 2023 harmonised elections.

“Despite the hectic rally schedules, the former VP never missed a single rally addressed by His Excellency, President Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa. We say lala kuhle, qhawe lamaqhawe," said VP Mohadi.

A Monumental Loss

Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Russia, Brigadier-General (Retired) Ambrose Mutinhiri, expressed his sorrow at the loss of a “very dedicated patriot."

“I worked with him from the early 1960s until he rose to be Vice President. His passing on is a great loss to the country," said Mutinhiri.

Dr. Obert Mpofu, ZANU-PF's Secretary-General, reflected on Mphoko's pivotal role during the liberation struggle and his enduring legacy as a leader.

“He loved his people and country so much that he sacrificed his life to join the liberation struggle. After independence, he worked tirelessly for the country as an ambassador and Vice President," said Dr. Mpofu.

Early Life and Liberation Struggle

Born on June 11, 1940, in Gwizane, Bubi district, Matabeleland North, Mphoko's journey began with an education at David Livingstone Memorial School and Mzilikazi High School. After studying agriculture, he became politically active in the 1960s, culminating in his arrest for resisting Rhodesian police.

In 1964, Mphoko underwent military training in the Soviet Union, helping establish the first command structure for Zimbabwe's liberation. Over the years, he held key roles, including serving in the Joint Military Command and negotiating unity between ZIPRA and ZANLA forces in Mozambique.

Mphoko also participated in the Lancaster House talks in 1979 and was instrumental in the design of Zimbabwe's national flag.

Distinguished Diplomatic and Government Service

After independence, Mphoko worked in demobilisation before transitioning to diplomacy, with postings in Mozambique, Austria, Botswana, Russia, and South Africa.

In 2014, he was appointed Vice President by the late President Robert Mugabe, overseeing National Healing, Peace, and Reconciliation. His tenure ended in 2017 during Zimbabwe's political transition.

Personal Life and Legacy

Mphoko, a devout Seventh-Day Adventist, was known for his love of photography, a hobby he maintained throughout his life, even during his tenure as Vice President.

He is survived by his wife Laurinda, three children - Sikhumbuzo, Siduduzo, and Siqokoqela - and three grandchildren.

As Zimbabwe bids farewell to one of its liberation icons, Mphoko's contributions to the nation's independence and post-liberation development remain etched in the country's history.