This is the biography of Phelekezela Mphoko, a Zimbabwean politician, diplomat, businessman, and former military commander. He served as the Second Vice-President of Zimbabwe from 2014 until 2017.
Early Life and Education
Born on 11 June 1940 in Gwizane, Bubi District, Matabeleland North, Mphoko was the son of Mahlwempu and Muntu-omubi Mphoko. He attended David Livingstone Memorial School in Ntabazinduna and later Mzilikazi High School in Bulawayo. In 1964, he travelled to the Soviet Union for military training, specialising in military science and photojournalism.
Phelekezela Mphoko Military and Political Career
Mphoko joined the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA), the military wing of the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU), during the liberation struggle against colonial rule. He held various positions, including Chief of Logistics, ensuring the movement of arms and supplies to support the liberation efforts. After independence, he served as Deputy Director in the Demobilisation Directorate under the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.
Phelekezela Mphoko Biography [Image: X]
Phelekezela Mphoko Diplomatic Service
In 1987, Mphoko entered Zimbabwe’s diplomatic service, serving in Mozambique, Austria, and Botswana. He was appointed Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to South Africa in 2011.
Phelekezela Mphoko Vice-Presidency
On 10 December 2014, President Robert Mugabe appointed Mphoko as Second Vice-President of Zimbabwe, alongside Emmerson Mnangagwa. Mphoko’s term ended on 27 November 2017 following the dissolution of the cabinet.
Business Interests
Mphoko was involved in business ventures, including cattle ranching and serving as a shareholder in Choppies Zimbabwe. In November 2018, he and his son lost control of Choppies Zimbabwe amid shareholder disputes.
Phelekezela Mphoko Controversies
Phelekezela Mphoko Biography [Image: Chronicle]
Mphoko faced controversies during his tenure. In January 2015, he rejected several government houses, citing their inadequacy. He also made statements attributing the Gukurahundi atrocities to Western conspiracy.
Phelekezela Mphoko Death
Mphoko passed away on 6 December 2024 in India at the age of 84 while receiving medical treatment. He was declared a national hero by the Zanu-PF Politburo in recognition of his contributions to Zimbabwe’s liberation and development.
Mphoko is survived by his wife, Laurinda, and their three children: Sikhumbuzo, Siduduzo, and Siqokoqela.
