Born: April 15, 1955 (Mount Darwin, Zimbabwe)
Biography:
Joice Runaida Mujuru, also known by her nom-de-guerre Teurai Ropa Nhongo, was a prominent Zimbabwean revolutionary and politician. Born on April 15, 1955, in the northeastern district of Mount Darwin, she was a member of the Shona ethnic group from the Korekore language group. Mujuru’s journey began at a young age when she attended a Salvation Army mission school, Howard High in Chiweshe, Mashonaland Central Province.
At the age of eighteen, Mujuru showed immense bravery and ambition by becoming the only woman to receive military training in Lusaka, Zambia. This early exposure to combat and political ideology shaped her future involvement in revolutionary activities. In her pursuit of justice and equality, Mujuru made the decision to join the Rhodesian Bush War after completing two years of secondary education.
In a remarkable display of courage, she is said to have downed a helicopter with a machine gun on February 17, 1974, after refusing to flee. However, it is important to note that the helicopter downing incident has been disputed by some, including War Veterans chairman Christopher Mutsvangwa and ballistic experts. Despite these controversies, Mujuru’s dedication to the liberation cause remained unwavering.
By 1975, at the age of twenty-one, Mujuru had become the political instructor of two successful military bases. She served as the camp commander at the Chimoio military and refugee camp in Mozambique, earning her the nom-de-guerre Teurai Ropa Nhongo, meaning spill blood in the Shona language. Mujuru’s leadership skills and determination led her to become one of the first women commanders within the ZANLA forces, led by Robert Mugabe.
In 1977, Mujuru married Solomon Mujuru, who was known as Rex Nhongo during the liberation struggle. Solomon Mujuru held the position of deputy commander-in-chief of ZANLA and was a significant figure within the independence movement. Joice Mujuru’s marriage to Solomon marked the beginning of her ascent within the ranks of ZANU. She became the youngest member of the ZANU Central Committee and a member of the National Executive that same year.
Due to her active involvement in the liberation struggle, Mujuru became a target for the Rhodesian Security Forces. They attempted to capture her, but she managed to evade their clutches. In November 1977, during Operation Dingo, the Rhodesian soldiers attacked the ZANLA camp in Chimoio. Mujuru, showing immense guile and resourcefulness, hid in a well-used communal pit latrine, eluding capture and ensuring her continued participation in the struggle.
Even as she approached motherhood, Mujuru remained firmly committed to the cause. In 1978, while nine months pregnant, her camp came under attack. Despite her condition, she continued to fight until the very end. Days later, she gave birth, highlighting her strength and resilience as a woman combatant.
After the war, Mujuru returned to Zimbabwe, but little was known about her origins and true identity. Her name became synonymous with bravery, dedication, and her illustrious nom-de-guerre. Mujuru’s mother later revealed the true story behind her daughter’s name and her real name in an exclusive interview.
Mujuru’s impactful role in the liberation struggle did not end there. She went on to serve as a government minister and earned the position of Vice-President of Zimbabwe in 2004. Her political career soared, and she also became Vice-President of ZANU-PF, where she was considered a potential successor to President Robert Mugabe.
However, in 2014, Mujuru’s political fortunes took a downturn when she was accused of plotting against Mugabe. As a result, she lost both her position as Vice-President and her leadership role within the party. She faced further repercussions when she was expelled from ZANU-PF a few months later.
Undeterred by these setbacks, Mujuru founded the new Zimbabwe People First party. Her resilience and determination to challenge the existing political landscape showcased her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of the Zimbabwean people.
Throughout her life, Joice Mujuru has embodied the spirit of female empowerment and has been an inspiration to many women in Zimbabwe and beyond. Her remarkable journey as a freedom fighter, politician, and advocate for justice and equality has left an indelible mark on the history of Zimbabwe and the role of women in society.