The late Vice President Phelekelezela Mphoko has been hailed as a family-oriented man who, despite his demanding national responsibilities, always prioritised his loved ones.
These heartfelt sentiments were shared by his brother, Ndabezinhle Mphoko, during a teary tribute at the burial service held at the family home in Douglasdale.
Although conferred National Hero status, Mphoko was laid to rest at his home as per his wish.
“My brother was deeply devoted to his family,” said Ndabezinhle. “He loved his wife immensely. They met while he was on duty in Mozambique and married just three months later. Their union lasted 48 years. He often spoke of her ability to build and manage his finances. At one point, he even joked that he didn’t know how much money he had because his wife handled everything.”
Ndabezinhle also spoke about how his brother had a strong bond with his children. “Even with his busy schedule, he always found time for them. He would call and talk to them whenever he was away.”
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in Matabeleland North Richard Moyo, who was the chief mourner, praised Mphoko’s significant contributions during the liberation struggle.
“Mphoko was among the first seven commanders tasked with recruiting, training, and leading Zimbabweans into the liberation struggle,” Moyo said.
He recounted Mphoko’s early activism, noting his arrest in 1963 for political violence after retaliating against a Rhodesian police officer who unleashed a dog on him and his peers. Mphoko was jailed but later released on bail pending a retrial.
In 1964, while awaiting the retrial, Mphoko left Zimbabwe with a group of six for military training in the Soviet Union. Upon his return, he played a pivotal role in establishing the first military command structure for the liberation movement.
In 1967, Mphoko joined the Joint Military Command overseeing logistics and supply for the ANC/ZAPU Alliance. He also collaborated with South African freedom fighters, including Joe Modise and Chris Hani, in military rehearsals for the historic Wankie operations.
Mphoko’s illustrious career also saw him participate in the formation of the Patriotic Front in Maputo, Mozambique, alongside luminaries like Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo, George Silundika, and Joseph Msika.
Mphoko, who passed away at 84, leaves behind his wife Laurinda, three children, and three grandchildren.
