Ex-ministers say Mphoko was Mugabe's ideal successor

Exiled former Cabinet ministers Walter Mzembi and Saviour Kasukuwere have described the late former Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko as a deserving successor to former President Robert Mugabe, following his death on Friday in Bulawayo at the age of 84. Mphoko, who was declared a national hero, passed away after suffering a sudden pulmonary embolism, as confirmed by his daughter Siduduzile.

Mphoko, who served as Zimbabwe's Vice-President from December 2014 until his ousting during the November 2017 coup, was widely regarded as a committed nationalist and loyal figure within Zanu-PF. His death has prompted tributes from various stakeholders, with many acknowledging his contributions to Zimbabwe's liberation struggle and his leadership in the party.

Kasukuwere, who was a former Zanu-PF member and government minister, praised Mphoko's steadfastness, describing him as a leader who always spoke out against “sneaky characters" within the party. "He was the most senior cadre from the ranks of Zapu and had served in the high command," Kasukuwere posted on X. "He had also served the country diligently from 1980 and was a worthy successor to VP John Landa Nkomo. Most importantly, he had no dubious credentials."

Mzembi, another exiled former minister, also echoed Kasukuwere's sentiments, emphasizing that Mphoko was a rightful claimant to the presidency after Mugabe but chose not to contest the throne. "You chose to let go without a contestation to the throne, probably too overwhelmed at the time by events and the euphoria and military support of your nemesis," Mzembi posted on X.

Mphoko's role as a dedicated Zapu cadre was highlighted by Zapu Bulawayo provincial secretary Vivian Siziba, who praised his contribution to the liberation struggle. Siziba said that Mphoko remained loyal to the party and its mission, even as others like James Dambaza Chikerema sought to form a rival faction, Froliz, in the pre-independence era. "Mphoko is among the senior early military cadres who stood by the party and served its external wing of Zapu from total demise," Siziba said.

Public policy analyst Samukele Hadebe, leader of the Freedom Alliance, also paid tribute to Mphoko, calling him a "source of history" in relation to Zimbabwe's armed struggle. "He outlined to me some of the historical issues relating to controversial aspects of the armed struggle, but unfortunately, that history might not get to be written and publicly shared," Hadebe said.

Educationist and Gukurahundi survivor Ben Moyo similarly commended Mphoko's dedication to the revolutionary cause, particularly in the formation of the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (Zipra), and highlighted the deep loss to the country's historical narrative with Mphoko's passing.

Human rights activist Effie Ncube lamented the loss of such key historical figures, noting the importance of veterans like Mphoko in documenting the country's war history. "Sadly, many luminaries are passing on and with them the wealth of knowledge and historical perspectives, leaving future generations poorer," Ncube remarked.

During the liberation struggle, Mphoko served as Zipra's chief logistics officer, working alongside figures like Retired Colonel Thomas Ngwenya. After Zimbabwe's independence, Mphoko held various diplomatic roles, including serving as Zimbabwe's ambassador to Russia, Botswana, and South Africa.

Mphoko's tenure as Vice-President was cut short when he was targeted by the military during the 2017 coup, forcing him into exile in Botswana. Despite the controversies surrounding his departure from office, Mphoko's legacy as a dedicated freedom fighter and leader remains prominent in Zimbabwe's political history.