adminYoliswa Dube Features Reporter
A HUMBLE man with the people at heart and a door that is always open – newly appointed Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko is raring to go following the responsibility bestowed upon him by President Mugabe.
It’s both an honour and a challenge for VP Mphoko who was appointed Vice President of the country in line with the provisions of the Unity Accord of 1987 signed between President Mugabe and the late Vice President Dr Joshua Nkomo.
His appointment was welcomed by many who felt the vision of unifying the nation was still being upheld.
Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa was also appointed Vice President.
VP Mphoko said he felt challenged by his new post which has been occupied by luminaries: the late Vice Presidents Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, Cde Joseph Msika and Dr Landa John Nkomo.
Considering the important job at hand, his vast experience in intelligence and as a diplomat will be handy in the promotion of national healing and reconciliation.
VP Mphoko said the fact that he had not been in Cabinet since independence was not a handicap as he would be guided by both President Mugabe and Cde Mnangagwa.
“It’s an honour to be appointed Vice President but it’s also a challenge. The experience that I have is going to be helpful in the execution of my assignment as the Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe. The President is my torch, I don’t have the command myself, but the command comes from the Head of State,” said VP Mphoko.
He said he was grateful that he would be working with Cde Mnangagwa who had a similar history as a freedom fighter and in intelligence during the liberation struggle.
The undoubtedly humble VP Mphoko said: “Being a Christian, I believe that anything that comes my way, including this new appointment is God-given but I feel challenged by the new post because of the people who have occupied it before. Their shoes are too big to fit in and it takes a lot for one to continue from where they left.”
VP Mphoko said he wanted to assure the nation that he would maintain an open door policy.
“I’ll always be available for the people and I’ll strive to eliminate barriers. I’m a father, I go to church and I play golf. When I go to these places, I meet people and that makes me a man of the people. The moment one becomes a leader, they must be accessible and doors must always be open to the people,” he said. “I believe it’s the people who determine what they want and we work together. With more dialogue and consultations I’m certain we can come up with solutions to the challenges we face as a country.”
VP Mphoko will also be responsible for the national healing and reconciliation portfolio.
He said it was important for Zimbabweans to realise they are one people despite their political differences, adding that it was possible to heal the wounds and address issues that bring conflict through dialogue.
“The solution to national healing lies with the people,” he said.
Online Reporter