Monica Mavhunga Biography | Age, Children, Husband, Education, Political Career, Controversies
This the biography of Monica Mavhunga, a Zimbabwean politician and a member of the Zanu-PF party. She currently serves as the Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle, having been appointed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on March 4, 2023.
Age
Monica Mavhunga was born on November 23, 1961, in Mt Darwin.
Husband
She was married to Dominic Martin Mavhunga, also known as Dino Mhofu, who passed away on September 13, 2019, from kidney failure at the West End Clinic in Harare. Dominic Mavhunga was recognized as a liberation war hero and was originally intended to be buried at the Provincial Heroes Acre in Bindura. However, due to the family’s wishes, he was buried in Mhondoro at Chibamu village.
Children
Monica Mavhunga and Dominic Mavhunga had four children together, including a daughter named Sibongile.
Education
Monica Mavhunga obtained a Diploma in Agricultural Practice from Bindura University of Science Education. She also holds a BSc Honours Degree in Development Studies from Zimbabwe Open University. Additionally, she has received training in various areas such as rural development, project planning, management, implementation, and evaluation, business management, research, and introduction to computers.
Political Career
Monica Mavhunga joined the Zanu-PF party in 1974 as a Zanla combatant. She rose through the ranks and became a politburo member. She also served as a Political Instructor in the Zanla forces. In her political career, she has held several positions, including being a Senator in the 8th and 9th Parliaments, a member of the Committee of Standing Rules and Orders in the 8th Parliament, Chairperson in the Senate Thematic Committee (Indigenization and Empowerment) in the 8th Parliament, and a member of the Management Committee of the Zimbabwe Women Parliamentary Caucus. She also served as the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in Mashonaland Central Province.
Ministerial Appointments
After the elections held on August 23-24, 2023, President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced his new cabinet on September 11, 2023. Monica Mavhunga was appointed as the Deputy Minister of War Veterans and War Collaborators, serving under Minister Christopher Mutsvangwa. On March 4, 2024, Mavhunga was appointed as the Minister of War Veterans and War Collaborators, replacing Chris Mutsvangwa, who was removed from the position.
Controversy
In June 2021, there were reports that Monica Mavhunga and her workers had occupied a farm belonging to Rosemary Chidhakwa, the sister of former First Lady Grace Mugabe. The farm, located in Mazowe, was allegedly repossessed by Anxious Masuka against a court order. Masuka faced legal action from Chidhakwa regarding the issue.
