Remembering SK Moyo, a bridge-builder par excellence

Richard Muponde, Zimpapers Politics HubAS Zimbabwe commemorates Heroes and Defence Forces Day on August 11 and 12, it is fitting to reflect on the life of Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo, a national hero whose legacy radiates through diplomacy, compassion and enduring service to his people.Early life and revolutionary foundationBorn on October 1, 1945 in the Sanzukwi area of Bulilima-Mangwe, Matabeleland South, Cde Simon Khaya Moyo’s life journey began in the dry, rural expanses of southern Zimbabwe.This environment, marked by marginalisation and underdevelopment, deeply shaped his sense of duty to uplift others, especially children from disadvantaged backgrounds.His early education at Fletcher High School in Gweru, which he completed in 1965, laid a solid intellectual foundation for his political consciousness.By 1966, he had become a research assistant at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo, but his desire to fight for national liberation soon eclipsed any personal ambitions.In 1968, Cde Moyo crossed the border into Zambia to join the liberation struggle as a member of Zapu.While in exile, senior Zapu leaders recognised his intellectual capacity and sent him to the University of Zambia, where he graduated in 1969 with a Diploma in Social Sciences.This academic development was later augmented by military training in Russia and Cuba, equipping him with both strategic thought and revolutionary discipline.He became a close assistant to nationalist icon and national hero, the late Father Zimbabwe, Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo in the 1970s and was part of Zimbabwe’s key negotiation teams in Geneva, Malta and Lancaster, culminating in the historic Lancaster House Agreement of 1979, which paved the way for Zimbabwe’s Independence.Ambassador and Trade EnvoyCde Moyo’s post-independence career reflected his refined intellect, diplomatic skill, and unwavering commitment to Zimbabwe’s development and sovereignty.In the early years, he served in the Ministries of Home Affairs and Justice, gradually ascending through civil service ranks By 1989, he had been elected to the Zanu-PF Central Committee, solidifying his place in national political affairs.Between 2007 and 2011, Cde Moyo served as Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to South Africa, a critical appointment given the political turbulence following Zimbabwe’s land reform and contested elections As Ambassador, he worked tirelessly to repair and strengthen bilateral relations with South Africa, Zimbabwe’s largest trading partner and home to millions of Zimbabwean migrants.Known for his soft-spoken but firm diplomatic tone, Cde Moyo built bridges across often-tense divides, lobbying for Zimbabwe’s sovereign interests while maintaining dialogue with stakeholders in then Pretoria now Tshwane, including the African National Congress (ANC) and South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Co-operation.His term helped to normalise cross-border trade, enhance Zimbabwe’s diplomatic footprint and secure regional solidarity amidst international sanctions.In 2011, he was recalled from Tshwane to become the chairman of Zanu-PF, and later served as the Minister of Media, Information and Broadcasting Services in 2017, albeit briefly Even outside Cabinet, he remained influential, holding the position of Zanu-PF’s Secretary for Information and Publicity until his death in 2021.A bridge-builder par excellenceCde Moyo’s enduring legacy rests in his ability to connect Zimbabwe to the global stage through diplomacy, negotiation and public messaging.As both an ambassador and spokesperson, he was at the forefront of projecting Zimbabwe’s image beyond the continent.He advocated for trade re-engagement, defended Zimbabwe’s sovereignty in global forums and pushed back against Western narratives that isolated the country, particularly during the height of sanctions.While Cde Moyo himself was placed on the United States sanctions list in 2003, his response was not of retreat, but of dignified resistance.He continuously promoted dialogue and encouraged partnerships with alternative allies, including China, Russia and regional blocs like SADC and the African Union

His tenure coincided with the emergence of the Look East Policy and he became a trusted voice in articulating Zimbabwe’s shift in geopolitical alignment.His approach was deeply rooted in diplomacy, not confrontation He spoke with measured calm, often acting as the voice of reason during political turbulence, both within his party and nationally For this, he earned the respect of political allies and adversaries alike.PhilanthropyBeyond politics and diplomacy, the late national hero was known for his profound compassion for the underprivileged, particularly children from his home district in Bulilima-Mangwe and Matabeleland South as a whole Despite his lofty status, he remained grounded in rural concerns, frequently returning to Sanzukwi his rural home, to intervene in the lives of orphans, the vulnerable and the marginalised.Local accounts from Matabeleland South describe how he sponsored students from primary to tertiary education, often paying tuition fees, providing school supplies, and supporting accommodation and transport costs

Though these acts were not part of a formal scholarship programme, they were consistent and impactful.For many families, Cde Moyo’s intervention meant the difference between dropping out of school and graduating from university.Full article on www.chronicle.co.zwHe mentored young people, encouraged education as a tool of liberation and championed community development projects, especially those focused on youth and education.While these acts may not be widely recorded in the national media, they form a powerful oral tradition of philanthropy rooted in proximity and personal sacrifice.His commitment reflected a belief that education was the most powerful tool for economic emancipation and he saw his role as both a leader and servant of the people.Humility and nationalismThose who knew Cde Moyo speak of a man of modesty, dedication and integrity Even as he climbed the echelons of power, he was rarely boastful or flamboyant.His language was often diplomatic, his tone conciliatory and his leadership style patient Despite battling cancer for over two years, including treatment in India and South Africa, he continued to attend to national duties and party responsibilities until he was physically unable to.He missed a Zanu-PF politburo meeting just two weeks before his passing, a testament to how committed he remained even in his final days.He died on November 14, 2021 at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo, aged 76.Cde Moyo’s legacy is that of a gentle warrior, a man who understood that diplomacy was as powerful as the gun, that words could open borders and that education could uplift generations.He was not only a nationalist liberator and a statesman, but also a quiet humanitarian whose contributions to education and rural development are etched in the memories of countless families in Matabeleland South Province.His life teaches that heroism does not always lie in grand gestures, it is also found in the deliberate, sustained acts of kindness, the forging of peace amid conflict, and the vision to give the next generation a better future.Share on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave

Originally published on Zimbabwe Herald

Source: Zimbabwe Herald