Late former vice president Phelekezela Mphoko’s son, Siqokoqela, has opened up about his decision not to attend his father’s funeral.
Mphoko died on December 6 in India where he had gone to seek treatment.
He was 84.
The former VP was buried at his home in Bulawayo’s Douglasdale suburb last Sunday.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared Mphoko a national hero after recognising his contributions to the country before and after independence.
Mnangagwa did not attend the funeral.
Mphoko had been estranged from his son for the last two years of his life.
In an exclusive interview with Southern Eye on Sunday at his home, Siqokoqela revealed the depth of the rift between him and his father.
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He said they had irreconcilable differences and there was a series of painful events that culminated in their estrangement.
“I did not attend my father’s funeral as I was fulfilling his wish,” Siqokoqela stated, adding that Mphoko had explicitly told him he was not welcome in the family anymore.
“He told me through messages and conversations that if any member of our family dies, I should not set foot there,” he added.
“He made his choices, and I made mine. This is why I didn’t attend the funeral.”
The relationship between Siqokoqela and his father deteriorated after what he described as “false accusations” levelled against him, including a rape case that he was ultimately acquitted of.
Siqokoqela had been accused of raping his 12 year-old niece on three occasions at his Hillside home.
In October this year, the High Court overturned both the conviction and 20-year sentence.
“There was a lot that didn’t add up in the accusations,” he said.
“There are court transcripts and evidence showing inconsistencies.
“For instance, the timeline of the alleged incident and the child’s testimony didn’t align.
“Even during that time, my father referred to a ‘case hanging over my head’ through a lawyer. What case? I’ve done nothing wrong.”
He shared WhatsApp messages and court recordings with Southern Eye on Sunday to substantiate his claims.
Siqokoqela believes the accusations were part of a larger scheme to alienate him from his family and destroy his reputation.
“It wasn’t just an attack on me — it was an attack on my entire lineage and my children,” he said.
“My kids are at critical ages right now.
“They need both parents, and I have fought hard to be there for them.”
Siqokoqela recounted how he learned of his father’s passing from a Zanu PF member, who called him shortly after the news broke.
“I wasn’t even aware that he was in India or that he was sick,” he said.
“Nobody from his side communicated with me. “When I got the call, I was confused and had to process the news quietly.
“I wasn’t surprised, though. This was the path we had taken as a family.”
Critics on social media questioned Siqokoqela’s decision to post about business matters on X shortly after his father’s passing instead of mourning publicly.
He dismissed the criticism, saying: “Life continues. My focus remains on my children and my work.”
“I have been living this way for years, by the grace of God. Nothing has changed,” he said.
When asked if he missed his father, Siqokoqela was candid.
“How do you come back from that? How do you recover from something like this? It’s not easy,” he said.
“It feels like a divorce. I don’t want to be a hypocrite or a liar. I’m speaking from my heart and soul.”
Siqokoqela admitted that it was unfortunate the relationship could not be mended before his father passed away.
However, he felt there was no reason to attempt reconciliation after his death.
“What was left to sort out? I am a man of integrity, and I stand by my decisions,” he said.
“My father made his choices, and I made mine.
“It’s unfortunate that he is no longer here, but I saw no reason to attend the funeral when I was told I wasn’t welcome.”
Siqokoqela said he remains focused on rebuilding his reputation and providing for his family.
“For the past three or four years I have been fighting to clear my name and rebuild my life,” he said.
“My energy is now focused on my children, my business, and building my legacy.”
As the Mphoko family continues to mourn their patriarch, Siqokoqela’s absence at the funeral has drawn attention to the unresolved tensions that divided father and son.
His decision to stay away, rooted in honouring his father’s expressed wishes, underscores the complexity of family dynamics and the lasting impact of estrangement.
