President Mnangagwa hails late nationalist as fearless liberation icon who ‘stood firm until his last breath’

Harare — President Emmerson Mnangagwa has led the nation in commemorating the 17th anniversary of the death of former Vice President Joseph Wilfred Msika, describing the late nationalist as a visionary leader and fearless founding father who remained steadfast in defence of Zimbabwe until his dying day.

In a commemorative message marking August 4, 2026, President Mnangagwa called upon Zimbabweans at home and abroad to reflect on the enduring contribution of the national hero to the liberation struggle, nation-building and socio-economic transformation.

“Today, 4th August, 2026, our great nation solemnly joins the Msika family in commemorating the 17th Anniversary of the passing on of Cde Joseph Wilfred Msika, a staunch veteran nationalist and Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe from 1999 to 2009,” the President said.

Msika, who was born on December 6, 1923, at Nyariri Village under Chief Negomo in Chiweshe, Mazowe District, Mashonaland Central Province, died on August 4, 2009, at the age of 85 after a long battle with hypertension. He was buried at the National Heroes Acre in Harare.

The late Vice President unreservedly committed himself to the total liberation of his motherland through nationalist politics and the protracted armed struggle, enduring lengthy periods of incarceration, including detention at the notorious Gonakudzingwa restriction camp, to dislodge the unjust colonial settler system.

Msika’s political activism began in the 1950s when he entered the trade union movement. He was elected National Treasurer of the African National Congress in 1957 and later became Secretary for Youth in the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU), its successor organisation. As a result of his political activities, he was detained at Khami Maximum Security, Selukwe and Marandellas prisons from 1959 to 1961. He was arrested again in 1964 while attending a political meeting and released in 1974, after which he left for neighbouring Zambia to support the independence war.

After Independence in 1980, Msika’s passion for social justice, empowerment and equitable development manifested through his unrelenting support for the Land Reform Programme in favour of the downtrodden black majority. He served as chairman of the government land acquisition committee and played a central role in the implementation of the land reform programme.

He served as Second Vice-President of Zimbabwe from December 23, 1999, until his death, succeeding the late Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo. At the party level, he also served as ZANU PF’s Vice President and Second Secretary.

The commemoration falls during the month when Zimbabwe observes Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day, making it an appropriate time for citizens to honour the sacrifices of liberation icons.

“During this month of August when we commemorate the 46th Heroes Day, and celebrate the Defence Forces Day, it is only befitting that Zimbabweans at home and in the diaspora take time to reflect on the life of struggle, sacrifice and service which the late Vice President Joseph Msika personified,” President Mnangagwa said.

“Alongside his peers and luminaries of our National Struggle, the late Vice President and his generation bequeathed freedom and statehood to us as a people, itself the priceless gift a generation can ever win and pass on,” the President added.

As the National Development Strategy enters its final stretch, with the nation marching towards the attainment of Vision 2030, President Mnangagwa urged Zimbabweans to continue upholding the noble values of sacrifice, patriotism, freedom, unity, love and tolerance which Msika espoused.

“May the soul of the late Vice President, Cde Joseph Wilfred Msika, and indeed the souls of other worthy sons and daughters of this Land, rest in eternal peace,” the President said.

Msika was survived by his wife, Maria, and six children. His widow was later declared a national heroine following her death in 2017.