Mphoko declared national hero

Harare – President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the ZANU PF politburo has unanimously declared the former vice president of Zimbabwe, Phelekezela Mphoko a national hero after the liberation war hero died aged 84 on Friday.

“In recognition of his meritorious role of service to his country, both before and after Independence, the ZANU PF Politburo has unanimously decided and agreed to celebrate and immortalize his life of sacrifice by according him the Status of National Hero,” Mnangagwa said in a statement.

Mnangagwa highlighted key efforts before and after Independence that Mphoko played in the liberation and development of the country.

A career diplomat for many years Mphoko served as Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Russia and South Africa before he was elevated to be vice president of Zimbabwe. He deputized former president Robert Mugabe together with Mnangagwa.

Mphoko was part of the G-40 faction of ZANU PF before he got removed from office after the November 2017 military intervention that removed Mugabe.

Mphoko who served as as a logistics officer within ZIPRA ranks got married in the 70s in Mozambique with former South Africa President Jacob Zuma as his best man at the wedding.

The Zimbabwe government is yet to set the date for Mphoko’s burial.