News / National
BREAKING: Former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko snubs Heroes Acre burial
2 hrs ago | Views
The late Phelekezela Mphoko, a former Vice President of Zimbabwe, diplomat, businessman, and military commander, will be laid to rest at his family home in Douglasdale suburb, Bulawayo, in accordance with his personal wishes.
This was confirmed by his widow, Laurinda Mphoko, who expressed gratitude to the government for honoring her late husband's request. "We are thankful to the state for respecting his wishes. It means a lot to the family that he is laid to rest where he wanted," she told this reporter on Monday.
Mphoko's decision to forgo burial at the National Heroes Acre, a site designated for Zimbabwe's liberation war icons, has stirred discussions reminiscent of other prominent figures who opted out of burial at the national shrine. These include former President Robert Mugabe, who chose his rural home in Zvimba, and former ZPRA Intelligence Chief Dumiso Dabengwa, who was buried in his hometown of Ntabazinduna.
The National Heroes Acre, located in Harare, is known for its imposing socialist-realist design, featuring large statues and monuments often likened to Chinese commemorative structures. The site is said to have been constructed with assistance from North Korea, reflecting Zimbabwe's historic ties with China and its allies during the liberation struggle.
Mphoko, a veteran nationalist and staunch liberation war fighter, served in several key roles throughout his illustrious career. He was Zimbabwe's ambassador to Russia, Botswana, and South Africa before being appointed Vice President in 2014. He is survived by his wife, Laurinda, originally from Mozambique; two daughters, Sikhumbuzo and Siduduzo; a son, Siqokoqela; and three grandchildren.
Preparations for the burial are underway at the family residence in Douglasdale. While Mphoko's decision to forgo burial at the Heroes Acre may surprise some, it aligns with his preference for a more personal farewell, away from the spotlight of the national shrine.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for further updates.
This was confirmed by his widow, Laurinda Mphoko, who expressed gratitude to the government for honoring her late husband's request. "We are thankful to the state for respecting his wishes. It means a lot to the family that he is laid to rest where he wanted," she told this reporter on Monday.
Mphoko's decision to forgo burial at the National Heroes Acre, a site designated for Zimbabwe's liberation war icons, has stirred discussions reminiscent of other prominent figures who opted out of burial at the national shrine. These include former President Robert Mugabe, who chose his rural home in Zvimba, and former ZPRA Intelligence Chief Dumiso Dabengwa, who was buried in his hometown of Ntabazinduna.
Mphoko, a veteran nationalist and staunch liberation war fighter, served in several key roles throughout his illustrious career. He was Zimbabwe's ambassador to Russia, Botswana, and South Africa before being appointed Vice President in 2014. He is survived by his wife, Laurinda, originally from Mozambique; two daughters, Sikhumbuzo and Siduduzo; a son, Siqokoqela; and three grandchildren.
Preparations for the burial are underway at the family residence in Douglasdale. While Mphoko's decision to forgo burial at the Heroes Acre may surprise some, it aligns with his preference for a more personal farewell, away from the spotlight of the national shrine.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for further updates.
Source - Byo24news
