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VICE President Phelekezela Mphoko follows a line of predecessors drawn from the ex-Zapu component of Zanu-PF who left lasting legacies.

Observers believe he will build on the scintillating work of his predecessors — Cdes Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, Joseph Msika and John Landa Nkomo.

Dr Joshua Nkomo was VP from 1987 until his death in 1999. Father Zimbabwe was a larger-than life character whose appeal cut across political, social and economic boundaries.

He fought aggressively for the country’s Independence from colonial rule.

He, together with President Mugabe, also guaranteed national unity and cohesion by signing the Unity Accord between Zapu and Zanu.

Zimbabweans forever cherish his principled fight against imperialism, revered leadership and constant call for national unity. He was succeeded by Cde Msika in December 1999.

Cde Msika — a tough and forthright politician — was elevated just as Westerners escalated manoeuvres to isolate Zimbabwe and cast aspersions on the country’s land reform programme.

As Cabinet Lands Committee Chair, he fought tooth and nail to defend the gains of Independence, living up to his apt nickmane of “Bruno”. He stood steadfastly alongside President Mugabe in the face of a relentless Western onslaught and also worked with the down-trodden, becoming a conduit through which national development found expression. On December 1, 2009 Cde Landa John Nkomo succeeded Cde Msika who had passed on in August of that year.

Cde Nkomo was responsible for National Healing, Peace and Reconciliation in the inclusive government (2009-2013), which brought together Zanu-PF and the MDC formations.

His slogan “Peace Begins with Me; Peace Begins with You; Peace Begins with All of Us” remains a clarion call for constructive co-existence and tolerance. It is in these massive shoes that VP Mphoko now walks, and with his history as a soldier and as a diplomat, there is little doubt that his will be a comfortable walk.

The following is Home Affairs Minister Cde Kembo Mohadi’s take on new Vice-President Phekezela Mphoko.

“This will be a good team; we were together in the struggle, although he went to war before us. We’ve worked together since those days.

“His leadership skills as a commander and military strategist will produce good results for the country as a Vice-President.

“He is somebody who has been in command and that’s leadership. So, he has been there before and he can deliver.