FORMER Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko, who died on December 6 this year, was laid to rest at his home in Douglasdale, Bulawayo yesterday.
Mphoko died in India at the age of 84 where he had gone to seek medical attention.
Mourners described him as a humble man who never lost his cool at anyone.
Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Richard Moyo told mourners that Mphoko's legacy will continue to guide the nation towards a bright future.
“We remember the man who inspired us with his courage and his unwavering confidence. His passing leaves a void in our lives but his legacy will continue to guide us towards a better future. Let us continue to strive for a Zimbabwe where every citizen can live with dignity and enjoy peace and prosperity,” Moyo said.
He said Mphoko’s legacy was built on peace and reconciliation, adding that he “tirelessly worked towards a united Zimbabwe fostering dialogue and understanding within our differences, his selfless dedication to our country's liberation and his effort to promote development will never be forgotten.”
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Mphoko received military training in the Soviet Union between 1964 and 1965. The former VP created the first military command structure which became the military planning committee to plan and direct the armed structure.
“He was one of the first seven commanders commissioned by the political leadership to recruit, train and command Zimbabweans into a revolution for the liberation of Zimbabwe,” Moyo said.
“In 1963, Mphoko was arrested for political violence after he lashed out at a Rhodesian police officer who had set his dog on him and fellow youth. He was sentenced to three years in jail and sent to Khami Prison before he appealed against the sentence. He was granted bail awaiting trial.”
Mphoko was a delegate to the Cold Comfort Farm People’s Caretaker Council Congress and held various ambassadorial posts including to Botswana, Russia and South Africa.
Meanwhile, Brigadier (Rtd) Abel Mazinyane said Mphoko was a person who would take hard things and would not mind his words.
Family spokesperson Ndaba Mphoko said it was a sad day for them because they had lost an adviser.
“He never lost his cool otherwise if he had, it was going to be difficult for him to recover,” he said.
Mphoko is survived by his wife Laurinda, three children and three grandchildren.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was represented by Moyo at the funeral, yesterday officiated at a church event in Bulawayo.