| Revision as of 09:39, 16 August 2011 edit41.193.82.58 (talk) death← Previous edit | Revision as of 09:43, 16 August 2011 edit undoKnightStrider (talk | contribs)149 edits →Post-IndependenceNext edit → | ||
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| == Post-Independence == | == Post-Independence == | ||
| General Mujuru took over the command of the ] at independence in 1980, retiring 10 years later to go into business. Popular speculation is that he owns anywhere between six and sixteen farms, including Alamein farm, a productive and high-value operation illegally requisitioned as part of a "landgrab" from Guy Watson-Smith in 2001, as found by the Zimbabwe High Court and international courts. However, he remained an influential member of the ruling ] politburo and central committees. | General Mujuru took over the command of the ] at independence in 1980, retiring 10 years later to go into business. Popular speculation is that he owns anywhere between six and sixteen farms, including Alamein farm, a productive and high-value operation illegally requisitioned as part of a "landgrab" from Guy Watson-Smith in 2001 <ref> , as found by the Zimbabwe High Court and international courts. However, he remained an influential member of the ruling ] politburo and central committees. | ||
| In the mid-1990s Mujuru clashed with ], long considered Mugabe's favoured heir, when Solomon bid to buy into the multi-billion dollar ], a chrome mining and smelting concern in Zimbabwe's Midlands Province. | In the mid-1990s Mujuru clashed with ], long considered Mugabe's favoured heir, when Solomon bid to buy into the multi-billion dollar ], a chrome mining and smelting concern in Zimbabwe's Midlands Province. | ||
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| Mujuru died in a fire on his farm in Beatrice, Zimbabwe on 16 August 2011.<ref> ''M&G''</ref> | Mujuru died in a fire on his farm in Beatrice, Zimbabwe on 16 August 2011.<ref> ''M&G''</ref> | ||
| == Kingmaker == | == Kingmaker == | ||
| According to newspaper reports Mujuru has been under house arrest and 24-hour surveillance since November 2007 for his role in attempting to oust Mugabe.<ref> , The Zimbabwean, February 18, 2008</ref><ref> , The Zimbabwean, February 18, 2008</ref> It is generally thought that Mujuru has a tremendous amount of influence on who leads ZANU-PF and the country. There was media speculation that he would be backing ]. Makoni was a candidate in the ]. However, the speculation was false and Mujuru never endorsed Makoni, who later formed his own party, named Mavambo Kusile Dawn (MKD), meaning "The Beginning of a New Dawn". | According to newspaper reports Mujuru has been under house arrest and 24-hour surveillance since November 2007 for his role in attempting to oust Mugabe.<ref> , The Zimbabwean, February 18, 2008</ref><ref> , The Zimbabwean, February 18, 2008</ref> It is generally thought that Mujuru has a tremendous amount of influence on who leads ZANU-PF and the country. There was media speculation that he would be backing ]. Makoni was a candidate in the ]. However, the speculation was false and Mujuru never endorsed Makoni, who later formed his own party, named Mavambo Kusile Dawn (MKD), meaning "The Beginning of a New Dawn". | ||
Revision as of 09:43, 16 August 2011
| Solomon Mujuru | |
|---|---|
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1949-05-01) May 1, 1949 (age 75) |
| Nationality | Zimbabwean |
| Political party | ZANU-PF |
| Residence | Zimbabwe |
| Occupation | Politician, Businessman |
Solomon Mujuru, also known as Rex Nhongo (born May 1, 1949 - died Aug 16 2011), led Robert Mugabe's guerrilla forces during the independence war. He is from the Zezuru clan. In post-independence Zimbabwe, he went on to become army chief before leaving government service in 1995. Mujuru is the former MP for Chikomba. He is generally regarded as one of the most feared men in Zimbabwe. His wife, Joyce Mujuru, is the Vice President and a former Water Affairs Minister in the Zimbabwe Cabinet.
Rhodesian Bush War
During the Rhodesian Bush War Mujuru, with the late Josiah Tongogara, led the ZANLA forces when Mugabe languished in jail for 10 years from 1964 to 1974. Robert Mugabe and Edgar Tekere with the help of chief Rekayi Tangwena their medium, had slipped into Mozambique after their immediate release from jail with the active support of Mujuru, who implored guerrillas, most of whom had never met Mugabe, to accept him as their leader. "As a result Mugabe owes (Solomon) Mujuru an eternal favour," said one Zanu-PF insider.
Post-Independence
General Mujuru took over the command of the Zimbabwe National Army at independence in 1980, retiring 10 years later to go into business. Popular speculation is that he owns anywhere between six and sixteen farms, including Alamein farm, a productive and high-value operation illegally requisitioned as part of a "landgrab" from Guy Watson-Smith in 2001 Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page).
Mujuru and his wife are among the ZANU-PF party members subject to personal sanctions imposed by the United States.
Mujuru died in a fire on his farm in Beatrice, Zimbabwe on 16 August 2011.
Kingmaker
According to newspaper reports Mujuru has been under house arrest and 24-hour surveillance since November 2007 for his role in attempting to oust Mugabe. It is generally thought that Mujuru has a tremendous amount of influence on who leads ZANU-PF and the country. There was media speculation that he would be backing Simba Makoni. Makoni was a candidate in the March 2008 presidential election. However, the speculation was false and Mujuru never endorsed Makoni, who later formed his own party, named Mavambo Kusile Dawn (MKD), meaning "The Beginning of a New Dawn".
References
- "It is universally accepted in Zanu-PF that without Solomon's active support, Mugabe would have been a nobody. Solomon and the late Josiah Tongogara led the Zanla forces", Sunday Tribune, January 9, 2005
- " Britian must act on Zimbabwe", The London Evening Standard, January 25, 2002
- Zimbabwe's General Solomon Mujuru dies in fire M&G
- " Mujuru under house arrest", The Zimbabwean, February 18, 2008
- "Senior figures from within the party led by former army chief Solomon Mujuru are expected to challenge Mr Mugabe", The Zimbabwean, February 18, 2008
External links
- Commercial Farmers Union report on Land Grabs
- Executive Order - Blocking Property of Additional Persons Undermining Democratic Processes or Institutions in Zimbabwe
- Zanu-PF rivals square up over Mugabe's job
- Details of Zimbabwean Supreme Court Case
- BBC NEWS website, Official Profile
- Sunday Telegraph Article on Illegal Land Grab