Remembering Simon Vengai Muzenda: Zimbabwe's Veteran Nationalist and Vice President

Zimbabwe is mourning the loss of one of its most prominent political figures, Simon Vengai Muzenda, who passed away on September 20, 2003 at the age of 80. Muzenda was a veteran nationalist and served as the Vice President of Zimbabwe from 1987 until his death.

Born on October 28, 1922 in Gutu, Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Muzenda became involved in the struggle for Zimbabwe's independence at a young age. He joined the National Democratic Party in 1960 and later became a founding member of the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) in 1963.

During the liberation war against white minority rule in Rhodesia, Muzenda played a key role as the deputy to Robert Mugabe, who would go on to become Zimbabwe's first prime minister and later president. Muzenda was detained by the Rhodesian government for his political activities and spent over a decade in prison between 1962 and 1974.

After Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980, Muzenda served in various government positions including as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. In 1987, he was appointed as Vice President, a position he held until his death.

Throughout his political career, Muzenda was known for his loyalty to Mugabe and ZANU-PF. He was considered a key figure in shoring up support for the party, particularly in his home province of Masvingo.

Muzenda's death was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from across Zimbabwe's political spectrum. President Mugabe described him as a "fearless fighter" and a "true hero of our struggle for independence."

In a statement, the main opposition party Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said Muzenda's death was a "great loss to the nation" and praised his contribution to the liberation struggle, despite political differences.

Muzenda was accorded a state funeral and buried at the National Heroes Acre in Harare, a shrine dedicated to those who fought in Zimbabwe's liberation war. Thousands of mourners attended the funeral, including African leaders and foreign dignitaries.

The death of Simon Vengai Muzenda marked the end of an era in Zimbabwe's political history. As one of the last surviving members of the generation that fought for the country's independence, his legacy as a veteran nationalist and dedicated public servant continues to be remembered and honored by Zimbabweans today.

Key Takeaways

• Simon Muzenda, Zimbabwe's VP from 1987 until death in 2003, passed away at 80.
• Muzenda was a veteran nationalist who fought for Zimbabwe's independence from Rhodesia.
• He served in various government roles, including Deputy PM and Foreign Minister.
• Muzenda was known for his loyalty to Mugabe and ZANU-PF party.
• Muzenda was accorded a state funeral and buried at the National Heroes Acre.