This is the biography of Joice Mujuru, a politician who fought in the liberation war and also the former Vice president of Zimbabwe.
Early Life and Guerrilla Training
Joice Teurairopa Runaida Mujuru, born on April 15, 1955, in Mount Darwin, Zimbabwe, emerged as a prominent figure in the country’s history. She hailed from the Korekore language group and attended Howard High, a Salvation Army mission school in Chiweshe, Mashonaland Central Province.
Joice Mujuru Biography [Image: Zimeye]
At just eighteen years old, Mujuru stood out as the sole woman who trained in Lusaka. Her decision to join the Rhodesian Bush War led her to become a fierce combatant. In a remarkable feat, she reportedly downed a helicopter with a machine gun on February 17, 1974, refusing to flee despite the odds. However, this incident has been contested by experts, questioning the feasibility of such an act with a light weapon.
Joice Mujuru Rising through the Ranks
By 1975, Mujuru had become the political instructor for two successful military bases. At the age of 21, she assumed the role of camp commander at the Chimoio military and refugee camp in Mozambique. Adopting the nom-de-guerre “Teurai Ropa Nhongo”, she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the liberation cause. Her leadership skills and dedication earned her a place among the first women commanders in Mugabe’s ZANLA forces.
Joice Mujuru Political Career
Mujuru’s transition from the battlefield to politics was seamless. Below are some of the positions she held in Government:
- Minister of Youth, Sport, and Recreation (1980–1985): At just 25 years old, Mujuru became the youngest cabinet minister, overseeing youth affairs, sports, and recreational activities.
- Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (1985–1988): She continued her political journey by serving in this capacity, contributing to the administration’s decision-making processes.
- Minister of Community Development, Cooperatives, and Women’s Affairs (1988–1992): Mujuru played a crucial role in community development and women’s empowerment during her tenure.
- Resident Minister and Governor for Mashonaland Central (1992–1996): In this role, she oversaw administrative matters in the Mashonaland Central Province.
During her tenure as Minister of Telecommunications, Joice Mujuru took actions to hinder Strive Masiyiwa’s efforts to establish his independent cellphone network, Econet. Masiyiwa faced pressure from the cabinet to sell his imported equipment to his competitors.
On March 24, 1997, Mujuru awarded Zimbabwe’s second cellular telephone license to the previously unknown Zairois consortium, Telecel. Notably, this decision excluded Masiyiwa. The Zairois consortium included her husband, Solomon, and President Robert Mugabe’s nephew, Leo.
Despite legal battles, Masiyiwa ultimately secured his license in December 1997.
Joice Mujuru Biography [Image: Newsday]
Joice Mujuru As Vice President
She served as Vice-President of Zimbabwe from 2004 to 2014. Her influence extended to ZANU–PF, where she also served as Deputy Secretary. Her marriage to Solomon Mujuru, a prominent figure in Zimbabwean politics, further solidified her position. Many considered her a potential successor to President Robert Mugabe.
In 2014, Mujuru faced allegations of plotting against Mugabe, tarnishing her reputation. As a consequence, she lost both her Vice-Presidential post and her position in the party leadership. Shortly afterwards, she was expelled from ZANU–PF. Undeterred, she founded the new Zimbabwe People First Party and later the National People’s Party, aiming to continue her political journey independently. However, the party did not perform well in the 2018 elections, and she retired from politics.
Personal life
Joice Mujuru Biography [Image: SAT]
In September 1977, Joice Mujuru married the late General Solomon Mujuru (then known as Rex Nhongo), who played a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. Solomon Mujuru passed away on August 15, 2011 in a house fire at his farm. Joice and Solomon had four daughters: Priscilla Kumbirai Rungano Mujuru (born 1978), Nyasha Del Campo, Kuzivakwashe Mujuru, and Chipo Makoni.
References
- Zimbabwe opposition leader ‘attacked’ on campaign trail – BBC
- Zanu PF Expels Former Zimbabwe VP Joice Mujuru – VOA Zimbabwe
- Zimbabwe ex-military chief Mujuru dies – Al Jazeera
- Women in Political Leadership and the Glass Labyrinth – Graduate Institute
- Joice Mujuru: The Fighter – Global press Joournal
