Mphoko Was Zimbabwe’s Rightful President After Mugabe: Mzembi Pays Tribute to Late VP

“Mphoko Was Rightful Claimant to Presidency After Mugabe” – Mzembi Pays Tribute to Late VP

The late former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko was the “rightful claimant” to Zimbabwe’s presidency after Robert Mugabe’s ouster, according to former cabinet minister Walter Mzembi. In a heartfelt tribute shared on social media, Mzembi reflected on Mphoko’s role during the dramatic events of November 2017.

• Former VP Phelekezela Mphoko Declared National Hero By President Mnangagwa

A Missed Opportunity in 2017

Mzembi revealed his thoughts on Mphoko’s absence during the coup that led to Mugabe’s resignation.

“Go well VP Mpoko. Many don’t know though that you were the rightful claimant to the Presidency after Mugabe,” wrote Mzembi.

He suggested that Mphoko may have been overwhelmed by the political and military developments of the time.

“You chose to let go without a contestation to the throne probably too overwhelmed at the time by events and the euphoria & military support of your nemesis,” Mzembi added.

He questioned Mphoko’s decision not to challenge the leadership vacuum left after Emmerson Mnangagwa’s temporary self-exile to South Africa.

“I still can’t understand why you were also conveniently absent during the coup, creating a vacuum which we struggled to deal with after your co-pilot ED had self-exiled to RSA.”

Acknowledging the Complex Legacy

Mzembi also commented on the challenges Mphoko faced after leaving office, referring to the former VP’s legal troubles.

“I write not in any bad taste but to keep these issues around Nov 2017 as factual as possible as there have been many revisionist versions of those contentious two weeks,” Mzembi said.

He praised the government’s decision to confer Hero Status on Mphoko but lamented the difficulties he endured in the last seven years.

“Whilst I appreciate the express pronouncement of your Hero Status by the President, I am also not blind to your troubled seven years where you were in Courts in and out, probably dying with that albatross on your neck only to be declared an automatic hero.”

Mzembi’s message also carried a broader call for unity in Zimbabwe.

“Why are we those persons who want to nurse Cdes to their graves & honour them posthumously but are unable to peacefully coexist with them in real life?” he questioned.

A Call for Unity and Reflection

Mzembi concluded his tribute by urging Zimbabweans to learn from Mphoko’s life and legacy.

“Let’s turn a corner and unite our Nation going forward, knowing we all end up as dust sooner rather than later. MHDSRIP thanks President Emmerson Mnangagwa and ZANU-PF  for honouring your colleague in struggle, notwithstanding.”