Phelekezela Mphoko
Phelekezela Mphoko was a Zimbabwean politician, diplomat, businessman and 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 to 24 November 2017, however, as he was not in the country at the time, his official standing on this is unclear. Mphoko's term as vice-president was ended by President Emmerson Mnangagwa following the dissolution of the cabinet on 27 November 2017.
Life and career
Cde Mphoko attended David Livingstone Memorial School and Mzilikazi High School, before studying at the Tshototsho Agricultural Breeding and Experimental School. His involvement in political activism began at a young age, leading to his arrest in 1963 for participation in political violence. Subsequently, he received military training in the Soviet Union, where he became an influential figure in the Zimbabwean liberation struggle.Mphoko served as Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Botswana and Russia before being transferred to Pretoria as Ambassador to South Africa.
On 10 December 2014, President Mugabe finally appointed Mphoko as Vice-President, alongside Emmerson Mnangagwa. Mugabe also assigned Mphoko the ministerial portfolio of National Healing, Peace and Reconciliation. He was sworn in as Vice-President on 12 December 2014. On 6 July 2015, Mugabe assigned Mphoko responsibility for coordination and implementation of policy.