Siqokoqela Mphoko Explains No-Show at Father’s Funeral

Siqokoqela Mphoko did not attend his father’s funeral, honoring a wish Phelekezela Mphoko expressed during their estrangement.

Phelekezela Mphoko, once Zimbabwe’s Vice President, passed away in India on December 6, aged 84.

Despite being named a national hero, he was buried at a family plot in Bulawayo, not at the National Heroes Acre.

His desire to avoid burial at the National Heroes Acre meant President Mnangagwa did not attend the funeral.

The notable absence of Siqokoqela at the burial sparked widespread curiosity and speculation.

In an exclusive interview at his home, Siqokoqela disclosed the reason behind his absence from the funeral.

He was estranged from his father, Phelekezela, for the last two years of his life.

Siqokoqela explained that his father had explicitly told him not to attend family funerals.

Their relationship had crumbled under the weight of false accusations, including a rape charge against Siqokoqela.

He was acquitted this October after the High Court overturned his conviction and sentence.

Siqokoqela believes these accusations were part of a plot to destroy his reputation and family ties.

He learned of his father’s death through a call from a ZANU PF member, not from family.

This call came as a shock since he was unaware of his father’s medical trip to India.

Siqokoqela processed the news in solitude, not surprised by the turn of events given their estrangement.

He lamented the lack of reconciliation before his father’s passing but saw no point post-mortem.

His focus now is on restoring his reputation and ensuring his family’s well-being.

This family saga has shed light on the personal complexities behind public figures in Zimbabwe.

The Mphoko family’s story is a reminder of how personal disputes can overshadow public legacies.

Siqokoqela’s decision, though controversial, was rooted in respect for his father’s final wishes.

The absence of a father-son reunion at the funeral underscores the depth of their rift.

This incident has sparked discussions about family, forgiveness, and the impact of public life on private relationships.

Despite the public recognition of Phelekezela’s contributions, his burial was a deeply personal affair.

Siqokoqela’s choice reflects a man grappling with a painful past while moving forward.

The Mphoko family’s narrative is a poignant chapter in Zimbabwe’s rich tapestry of politics and personal lives.

As this story unfolds, it leaves the public pondering the private battles fought by those in the limelight.