By Munacho Gwamanda-A frail-looking Vice President Kembo Mohadi recently struggled to deliver a speech at a traditional thanksgiving ceremony in the Dula area of Umzingwane District, Matabeleland South.

Throughout his address, Mohadi frequently paused, slurred his words, and appeared visibly weak, raising fresh concerns about his deteriorating health.

Despite his struggle, he managed to complete the speech, emphasising Matabeleland South’s vast natural resources and their potential to alleviate poverty if fully utilized.

However, this is not the first time Mohadi has battled health issues in public.

His declining health has been a longstanding concern, with reports of frequent medical trips abroad and multiple instances of collapsing at public events.

• In 2023, he fainted while delivering a lecture at the University of Zimbabwe, appearing disoriented before requesting water and losing consciousness.
• Later that year, security agents allegedly forced journalists to delete footage of him collapsing at a Zanu PF campaign rally in Gutu, Masvingo.

His health struggles have also resulted in reduced public engagement.

In January  while President Emmerson Mnangagwa was on leave, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri was unexpectedly sent to represent Zimbabwe at John Mahama’s inauguration in Ghana—a duty that should have fallen to Mohadi as the acting president.

 Government insiders suggest concerns over his physical ability to handle the trip led to the last-minute change.

Beyond his health concerns, Mohadi’s political career has been tainted by scandal.

• In 2021, he resigned in disgrace after leaked audio tapes allegedly revealed sexual misconduct with multiple women, including married subordinates.
• In 2018, he was injured in a grenade explosion at a Zanu PF rally at White City Stadium in Bulawayo.
• In 2019, he was flown to South Africa for emergency treatment after falling ill from an undisclosed ailment.

Despite his evident health struggles at the Umzingwane event, Mohadi remained steadfast in urging the full exploitation of Matabeleland South’s natural resources, which include minerals, fertile soils, water bodies, solar energy, and vegetation.

“As Matabeleland South, we are endowed with natural resources, which are our God-given treasure. Let’s use them for our benefit and enrichment,” said Mohadi.

He called on locals to take an active role in developing the province rather than allowing outsiders to dominate its wealth.

“Let’s not be onlookers while others come from elsewhere and exploit our resources. Let’s form consortiums to drive investment. Without us taking the lead, no one will come and develop our region,” he said.

His remarks align with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s national development philosophy:

“Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo / Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” (A country is built by its own people).