This is the biography of Edna Madzongwe, a prominent Zimbabwean politician who made history as the first female President of the Senate of the Republic of Zimbabwe. Her remarkable career spanned from 2005 to 2018. Let’s delve into her journey and contributions.
Early Life And Education
Edna Madzongwe, born on July 11, 1943, grew up in a politically active family. Her eldest brother, Erick Gwanzura, was an early nationalist and detainee, along with their first cousins Phannuel and Zacharia Gwanzura.
She attended Goromonzi High School for her secondary education. Later, she pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Massachusetts, Worcester Campus, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with English as her major subject and Psychology as a minor. Her commitment to education continued as she completed postgraduate studies at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst Campus, obtaining a Master of Education degree with a specialisation in Educational Psychology and Urban Education. She also holds certificates in teaching English and guidance counselling.
Edna Madzongwe In the Liberation Struggle
In 1966, during the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI), she was sent by ZANU-PF to Lusaka, Zambia, where she awaited deployment for military training or academic education. Edna was eventually posted to the United States. While in the US, she actively participated in political activities. As a member of the ZANU party students’ activists, she collaborated with comrades like Kumbira Kangai and Rugare Gumbo. Together, they collected funds and clothing for freedom fighters on the frontlines.
Before the establishment of the party in Mozambique, they organised demonstrations at the United Nations in New York, advocating for Zimbabwe’s emancipation from the oppressive Smith regime.
Her dedication to the cause extended beyond activism. Alongside her late husband, she facilitated the placement of Zimbabwean refugee students at Lowell University in Massachusetts.
Edna Madzongwe Political Career And Senate Presidency
Edna Madzongwe Biography [Image: New Zimbabwe Vision]
In 2005, Edna Madzongwe made history by becoming the first female President of the Senate of Zimbabwe. Her election on November 30, 2005, marked a significant milestone, breaking gender barriers in Zimbabwean politics.
In the March 2008 parliamentary election, she was re-elected to the Senate from the Chegutu constituency, defeating Violet Paneairi Mokoesti of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-Tsvangirai). Following this election, where ZANU-PF won control of the Senate but not the House of Assembly, Madzongwe was re-elected as Senate President in August 2008.
She faced controversy when embroiled in a land dispute with an elderly white Zimbabwean farmer from Chegutu. The case revolved around land redistribution policies and accusations of illegal means. After the July 2013 parliamentary election, where ZANU-PF secured a large majority, Madzongwe was re-elected as Senate President until 2018.
Edna Madzongwe Biography [Image: Newsday]
Personal Life
Edna Madzongwe’s family includes her late husband, Forbes Madzongwe, and their children: Valentine, Farai, and Tendai. She also has stepchildren, Tsitsi and Martin.
References
- Women and the liberation war in Zimbabwe – Academia
- H.E Edna Madzongwe – Global summit of Women Speakers of Parliament
- Madzongwe blasts Senators – Chronicle
