| Legal Name | Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa |
|---|---|
| Born | September 15, 1942 ( Age 82 Years) |
| Nationality | Zimbabwean |
| Wife | Auxillia Mnangagwa |
| Education | Law, University of Zambia |
Background
Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa was born on 15 September 1942 in Zvishavane Southern Rhodesia now Zimbabwe. He belongs to the Karanga subgroup of the Shona people. His family moved to Zambia in the 1950s, where he later pursued education and political activism.
Education
Mnangagwa studied law at the University of Zambia and later obtained legal qualifications through the University of London. He also received military training in Egypt. His legal and military background played a role in shaping his political career.
Liberation Struggle
In the early 1960s, Mnangagwa joined the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) and became part of the Crocodile Gang, a group that carried out sabotage against colonial authorities. He was arrested in 1965 and sentenced to ten years in prison. After his release, he continued working with ZANU and became close to Robert Mugabe.
Political Career
Mnangagwa held several key government positions after Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980. These included:
- Minister of State Security (1980–1988)
- Minister of Justice (1989–2000)
- Speaker of Parliament (2000–2005)
- Minister of Defence (2009–2013)
- Vice President (2014–2017)
In November 2017, Mnangagwa became President of Zimbabwe following the resignation of Robert Mugabe. He was re-elected in 2023.
Controversies
Mnangagwa has been linked to several controversial events, including:
- The Gukurahundi massacres in the 1980s
- Alleged election-related violence in 2008
- The military response to post-election protests in 2018
These events have drawn criticism from human rights groups and political opponents.
Policies and Governance
Mnangagwa has promoted economic reforms under the Vision 2030 plan, which aims to improve infrastructure and attract investment. He has also called for re-engagement with international partners and efforts to combat corruption.
Personal Life
Mnangagwa is married to Auxillia Mnangagwa and has several children. He is known by the nickname “Ngwena,” meaning “crocodile,” a reference to his guerrilla past.