Chronicle Editor
Nqobile Bhebhe and Joseph Madzimure
THE body of national hero and former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko (84) arrived in Bulawayo yesterday afternoon, with his family disclosing that he will be buried at his Douglasdale farm tomorrow.
His widow, Laurinda, and his two daughters, Sikhumbuzo and Siduduzo, accompanied the body from India, where he died last Friday.
An Airforce of Zimbabwe aircraft carried the body from Harare, touching down at Joshua Nkomo International Airport at 2:42 pm.
Cde Mphoko’s casket, draped with the national flag, was carried to a waiting hearse by members of the Zimbabwe National Army.
Flags draping coffins boldly symbolise a nation’s profound appreciation and respect for its fallen heroes.
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube, Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet Reverend Paul Damasane, Politburo member Elifas Mashava, Zimbabwe Ambassador to India Ms Stella Nkomo, service chiefs, Zanu-PF Provincial chairman Cde Jabulani Sibanda, and other dignitaries received the body.
From the airport, Cde Mphoko’s body was taken to Doves Funeral Parlour, where a brief service was held at the chapel. There was a standstill at Doves Funeral Parlour as the hearse made its way.
Earlier in the day, at a funeral parade attended by service chiefs and senior Government officials at Charles Gumbo Barracks in Harare yesterday, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga described Cde Mphoko as an illustrious national hero who contributed immensely to the nation during the liberation struggle and after independence.
“We have lost one of the few surviving renowned commanders from the former Zimbabwe People’s Liberation Army, Zipra; a resolute giant of the liberation struggle whose immense contribution to our Independence is a legacy too bold to be forgotten or erased.
“To the bereaved Mphoko family, his spouse, the children, and the nation at large, may we all derive solace in the knowledge that his selfless contribution to his country and people will continue to inspire us and future generations,” he said.
Vice President Chiwenga said Cde Mphoko became actively involved in the country’s liberation movement at a tender age in the 1960s. He noted that Cde Mphoko was one of the first youths to be dispatched for military training in the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics, alongside Cdes Akim Ndlovu, Ambrose Mutinhiri, and Charles Chikerema in 1964.
Vice President Chiwenga also said that Cde Mphoko was part of the delegation that played a pivotal role in securing Zimbabwe’s Independence during the 1979 Lancaster House Conference. At Independence, he was appointed to the demobilisation board of ex-combatants and later held various Government positions, including ambassadorial roles.
In his diplomatic career since 1987, he served with diligence as Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Mozambique, Austria, Botswana, Russia, and South Africa. Due to his diligence and acumen, he was appointed Vice President in 2014, a position he held until 2017. He was also in charge of the National Healing, Peace and Reconciliation portfolio, where he worked relentlessly to promote national peace, reconciliation, and equitable development in the country.
“Our late former Vice President was also a successful businessman and a farmer, majoring in cattle ranching,” said the Vice President.
Meanwhile, in an interview at Doves Funeral Parlour in Bulawayo, where the body was kept last night, the late national hero’s younger brother, Mr Ndabenzinhle Mphoko, expressed gratitude for the Government support. He disclosed that the national hero would be buried tomorrow at his Douglasdale farm.
In a condolence message, the John Landa Nkomo Memorial Trust said it was deeply saddened by the passing of Cde Mphoko, who took over the nation’s vice presidency from the late Vice President John Landa Nkomo.
It said the two national heroes closely worked together 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 in 2013,” it noted.
Struggle stalwart, Senator Angeline Masuku, who is a trustee of the JL Nkomo Trust, said the late Vice President Nkomo and Cde Mphoko had a very close relationship from the days of the struggle, although few were aware of their bond.
She said it was befitting that President Mnangagwa bestowed the highest honour in the country of National Hero on Cde Mphoko, as he was deserving due to his commitment and sacrifices both before and after the liberation struggle.
The chairman of the trust, son to the late VP John Landa Nkomo, Jabulani Nkomo, said the late Cde Mphoko was one of the first people to honour the legacy of Cde Nkomo through donating a floating trophy earmarked for the Tsholotsho Inter Schools competition under the banner of the John Landa Nkomo Sports Tournament.
derick.khumalo