Elliot Manyika

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Elliot Tapfumaneyi Manyika (July 30, 1955 – December 6, 2008) was a Zimbabwean politician, who served as Minister without Portfolio and the National political Commissar for ZANU-PF.[1]

Born at Rosa Clinic in Chiweshe, Manyika did his primary education at Madombwe and Bare schools. After completing Standard Six at Bare, he attended Kutama College. In 1974, he was arrested for allegedly writing and circulating subversive statements while waiting for his O-level results. He was sentenced to five years in prison, but was released after 18 months under strict conditions. As a result of the incarceration, he could not proceed for Advanced level.

After Zimbabwe gained independence from Great Britain, Manyika sat for examinations, during which time he also obtained diplomas in Accounts and Business from the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He later studied for a master's degree in International Policy Studies with the University of Bristol in Britain.

Manyika joined the Zanu-PF Youth League together with the late Minister of Youth, Gender and Employment Creation, Border Gezi, in 1982. He rose through the ranks, becoming the youngest provincial secretary for administration in 1986.

He also worked in different capacities in the government, including that of under-secretary in the President's Office. He worked for the then ministries of Local Government and National Housing and Women's Affairs.

He was Minister of Youth Development, Gender and Employment Creation before being appointed as Minister without Portfolio on February 9, 2004.[2]

Manyika died in a road accident on 6 December 2008, aged 53, while he was traveling to Gwanda.[3] Days after the accident, Manyika was declared a national hero by the Politburo.[4] From 2003 until his death, Manyika was placed on the European Union and United States sanctions lists.[5]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Parliament of Zimbabwe". Archived from the original on 18 March 2009. Retrieved 11 January 2008.
  2. ^ "Mugabe rewards loyalists in new Cabinet", New Zimbabwe (zimbabwesituation.com), February 9, 2004.
  3. ^ "Zimbabwe Minister Without Portfolio Manyika dies". 7 December 2008. Archived from the original on 10 December 2008.
  4. ^ "Zimbabwe ruling ZANU-PF postpones national congress". 9 December 2008. Archived from the original on 12 December 2008.
  5. ^ Blocking property of persons undermining democratic processes or institutions in Zimbabwe.