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Office of the Vice President of Zimbabwe Honourable J.T.R Mujuru (Mrs) MP.
Profile of the Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Honourable Joice Teurai Ropa Mujuru
Preamble
Honourable Joice Teurai Ropa Mujuru (nee Mugari), the first female Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Second Secretary and Vice President of the ruling party ZANU (PF) is also a Member of Parliament for Mount Darwin North Constituency.She was born on 15 April 1955 in Mount Darwin and attended her primary education at Chawanda Primary School in the same area. She proceeded to Howard Institute in Chiweshe for her secondary education. In 1972, she left for Zambia to join the liberation struggle.
At independence, she continued with her education despite the demands of the home, family, political and ministerial offices. As a result of her perseverance and determination, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management and Entrepreneurial Development in 2005 from the Women's University in Africa. Currently she is pursuing a Master of Science degree in Strategic Management, leading to a PHD.She is married to General (Rtd) Solomon Tapfumaneyi R. Mujuru and has four children and seven grand children.
Participation in the Liberation Struggle for Zimbabwe
Upon her arrival in Zambia, she became a medical assistant and political instructor. She has a demonstrable millitary career that saw her distinguishing herself as a soldier in 1974 when she brought down a Rhodesian military helicopter in a battle on February 17th. She was also in a small group of freedom fighters that was selected to manoeuvre to Villa Perrie (now Chimoio) to meet the President, H.E. Comrade R.G. Mugabe and former ZANU (PF) Secretary-General together with Comrade Edgar Tekere who had arrived from Rhodesia.
Leadership Roles during the Liberation Struggle
The Honourable Vice President's leadership qualities became apparent early during the liberation struggle.
This saw her holding the following strategic positions during her military career:-
• Second in Command of Zhunta Camp
• Political Commissar at Nyadzonia Camp and Toronga Camp, Chabavava
• Camp Commissar at Chimoio
• Secretary for Women's Affairs in the National Executive Committee in 1977.Leadership Positions held in ZANU (PF)
As a member of the ruling ZANU (PF) Politburo since its inception, she held the following substantive posts:
• Secretary for Women's Affairs 1977-1989
• Secretary for Education 1989-2004
• Second Secretary and Vice President of ZANU (PF) 2004 to date.Leadership Positions held in the Government of Zimbabwe
Honourable Vice President has remained in Government since 1980 when the first black cabinet was appointed by H.E. President R. G. Mugabe, the then Prime Minister of Zimbabwe.
1980 : Minister of Youth, Sport and Recreation
1981 : Minister of Community Development and Women's Affairs
1985 : Minister of State for Community Development and Women's Affairs
1988 : Minister of Community and Cooperative Development and Women's Affairs
1992 : Resident Minister and Governor of Mashonaland Central Province
1996 : Minister of Information, Posts and Telecommunications
1997 : Minister of Rural Development and Water Resources
2000 : Minister of Rural Resources and Water Development
2001 : Minister of Water Resources and Infrastructural Development
: Acting Minister of Defence
: Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture
2004 : Vice President
