Mphoko burial slated for Bulawayo tomorrow

Bulawayo is set to host the burial of national hero and former Vice President Phelekezela Report Mphoko tomorrow, in accordance with his family's wishes. Mphoko, who passed away at the age of 84, was recognized for his significant contributions to Zimbabwe's liberation struggle and his service to the nation after independence.

Mphoko's remains arrived in Zimbabwe from India on Thursday, accompanied by his wife, Laurinda, children, and other family members. Yesterday, his body was airlifted from Manyame Airbase in Harare to Bulawayo, where it will be interred at his Douglasdale farm.

Speaking at a funeral parade at Charles Gumbo Barracks in Harare, Acting President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga hailed Mphoko as an illustrious hero whose legacy will inspire future generations.

"We have lost one of the few surviving renowned commanders from the former Zimbabwe People's Liberation Army, Zipra, a giant of the liberation struggle whose immense contribution to our independence is a legacy too bold, never to be forgotten or erased," said Dr. Chiwenga.

He outlined Mphoko's remarkable journey, from joining the liberation movement in the 1960s to receiving military training in the Soviet Union and playing key roles in pivotal military operations, such as the Wankie and Sipolilo battles of 1967 and 1968.

Mphoko also served as a ZAPU representative in Mozambique and was part of the delegation that negotiated Zimbabwe's independence at the Lancaster House Conference in 1979.

After independence, Mphoko held several government positions, including serving as Zimbabwe's ambassador to Mozambique, Austria, Botswana, Russia, and South Africa. In 2014, he was appointed Vice President of Zimbabwe, a position he held until 2017. He also led the National Healing, Peace and Reconciliation portfolio, working tirelessly to foster unity and equitable development.

Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe described Mphoko as "a loyal, diligent, and dedicated cadre whose contribution to Zimbabwe's prosperity surpassed the test of time."

Family spokesperson and younger brother Mr. Ndabezinhle Mphoko expressed gratitude to the Government for bestowing national hero status on Mphoko, describing the recognition as "eternal." He confirmed that the burial would honor Mphoko's request to be laid to rest in Bulawayo.

"This is a very sad day for the Mphoko family, but this has been ameliorated by the Government support we received," he said.

Mphoko's body was received in Bulawayo yesterday by a delegation that included Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube, service chiefs, and Zanu-PF officials. His casket, draped in the national flag, was transported to Doves Funeral Parlour, where a brief service was held.

Mphoko's life was marked by a commitment to the liberation and development of Zimbabwe. Born on June 11, 1940, in Gwizane, Bubi District, he was among the first youths to receive military training for the liberation struggle. His leadership extended beyond independence, with notable contributions to diplomacy, reconciliation, and economic development.

Mphoko is survived by his wife, Laurinda, three children, and three grandchildren.

Tomorrow's burial will be a solemn farewell to a man whose life was dedicated to the fight for freedom and the betterment of his nation.