Phelekezela Mphoko
Second Vice-President of Zimbabwe
In office
12 December 2014[1] – 27 November 2017[2]
PresidentRobert Mugabe
Preceded byJohn Nkomo
Succeeded byKembo Mohadi
Ambassador of Zimbabwe
In office
1987–2014
2011–2014South Africa
1987–2011
Personal details
Born (1940-06-11) 11 June 1940 (age 83)
Gwizane, Southern Rhodesia
(now Zimbabwe)
Political partyZANU–PF (until 2017)
Independent (since 2017)
SpouseLaurinda Mphoko
ChildrenSiqokoqela (son)
Sikhumbuzo (daughter)
Siduduzo (daughter)
Parent(s)Mahlwempu Mphoko
Muntu-omubi Mphoko

Phelekezela Mphoko (born 11 June 1940) is a Zimbabwean politician, diplomat, businessman and former military commander who served as Second Vice-President of Zimbabwe from 2014 until 2017, as well as Zimbabwe's ambassador to Russia, Botswana and South Africa. Legally, Mphoko was the acting President of Zimbabwe from 21–24 November 2017, however, as he was not in the country at the time, official standing on this is unclear.[3][4][5][6] Mphoko's term as vice-president was ended by President Emmerson Mnangagwa following the dissolution of the cabinet on 27 November 2017.[7]

Life and career

After independence

Mphoko served as Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Botswana and Russia before being transferred to Pretoria as Ambassador to South Africa.[8][9][10]

On 10 December 2014, President Mugabe finally appointed Mphoko as Vice-President, alongside Emmerson Mnangagwa (who represented the ZANU wing of the party).[11] Mugabe also assigned Mphoko the ministerial portfolio of National Healing, Peace and Reconciliation.[12][13] He was sworn in as Vice-President on 12 December 2014.[14] On 6 July 2015, Mugabe assigned Mphoko responsibility for coordination and implementation of policy.[15]

References

  1. ^ "Zimbabwe's Constitution of 2013" (PDF). constituteproject.org. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
  2. ^ "President dissolves Cabinet".
  3. ^ eDuzeNet. "Mphoko is the Acting President for now." Bulawayo24 News. Retrieved 8 June 2018.
  4. ^ "Experts clear the air on succession". The Herald. Retrieved 8 June 2018.
  5. ^ "Zimbabwe has 'phantom-like' acting president". News24. Retrieved 8 June 2018.
  6. ^ "Where is Mphoko, legally the acting President?". The Zimbabwe Mail. 22 November 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2018.
  7. ^ "President dissolves Cabinet". The Herald. Retrieved 8 June 2018.
  8. ^ Staff (24 July 2010). "Gukurahundi storm envoy posted to SA". New Zimbabwe. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 11 October 2012.
  9. ^ Список руководителей дипломатических и консульских представительств зарубежных государств в России (in Russian). Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Russia). Retrieved 5 July 2008.
  10. ^ Staff (3 February 2011). "SA accepts Ambassador Mphoko". The Herald. Retrieved 11 October 2012.
  11. ^ MacDonald Dzirutwe, "Zimbabwe's Mugabe names 'The Crocodile' Mnangagwa as deputy", Reuters, 10 December 2014.
  12. ^ "Mugabe names new cabinet ministers", New Zimbabwe, 11 December 2014.
  13. ^ "President unveils new ministers", The Herald, 12 December 2014.
  14. ^ "Zimbabwe's Mnangagwa sworn into office, leads race to succeed Mugabe", Reuters, 12 December 2014.
  15. ^ "Chombo, Moyo, Tyson reassigned", The Herald, 7 July 2015.
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