Zimbabwe’s presidency began after Rhodesia’s Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) in 1965. From 1965 to 1970, Queen Elizabeth II was the official head of state, but this was not internationally recognized.
Ian Smith’s government still claimed loyalty to her. The Queen was represented in Rhodesia by an officer, as Smith ignored the official governor, Sir Humphrey Gibbs.
In 1970, Rhodesia adopted a new constitution, becoming a republic, which ended the role of the monarch, and a ceremonial president replaced her. This was the start of Zimbabwe’s move towards its current system of having presidents as heads of state.
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Complete List Of Zimbabwe Presidents From 1980 Till Date
No | Name | Took Office | Left Office | Political Party |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Canaan Banana (1936–2003) | 18 April 1980 | 31 December 1987 | ZANU |
2 | Robert Mugabe (1924–2019) | 31 December 1987 | 21 November 2017 | ZANU-PF |
- | Phelekezela Mphoko (born 1940) Acting | 21 November 2017 | 24 November 2017 | ZANU-PF |
3 | Emmerson Mnangagwa (born 1942) | 24 November 2017 | Incumbent | ZANU-PF |
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Who Was The President Of Zimbabwe In 1980?
The first president of Zimbabwe, after its independence in 1980, was Canaan Sodindo Banana. He became president on April 18, 1980, and served until December 31, 1987.
Born on March 5, 1936, in Masvingo, which was then part of Southern Rhodesia, Banana started his career as a Methodist minister and theologian before moving into politics.
He was a prominent figure in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle against colonialism and white minority rule. During the late 1960s, Banana joined the United African National Council, a political group that opposed the Rhodesian government led by Ian Smith.
His political activism led to imprisonment and house arrest. Later, he joined the Zimbabwe African National Union, led by Robert Mugabe, which fought for independence through armed struggle.
In 1979, Banana took part in the Lancaster House Conference in London, where the framework for Zimbabwe’s independence and future government was established.
When Zimbabwe became independent in 1980, Banana was chosen as the first president of a new parliamentary system. As president, Banana had a mostly ceremonial role but promoted unity in a country recovering from years of conflict.
He also supported social justice and encouraged churches to address the needs of Zimbabweans in a post-colonial society. In 1987, he brought together ZANU and its rival party, ZAPU, through a unity agreement.
Banana stepped down as president in December 1987, allowing Robert Mugabe to take over as the executive president with greater powers.
After leaving office, Banana worked as a diplomat and academic but later faced serious controversies, including a conviction for sexual misconduct.
Who Is The New President Of Zimbabwe?
The new president of Zimbabwe is Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa. He has been in office since November 24, 2017, after taking over from Robert Mugabe.
Mnangagwa is a senior figure in Zimbabwean politics and belongs to the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), the political party that has been in power since Zimbabwe became independent in 1980.
His nickname is “The Crocodile,” which shows his sharp political skills and strong personality. Mnangagwa was born on September 15, 1942, in a town called Shabani, now called Zvishavane, located in the Midlands Province.
He went to school locally and later studied law in South Africa. During his time at the University of Fort Hare, he got involved in anti-colonial activism.
However, his political career began during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle against colonial rule and white minority rule in the country, then known as Rhodesia.
After independence in 1980, Mnangagwa became a notable figure in the government and held several positions, including Minister of Justice, Defence, and Finance.
He became Vice President in 2014 under Robert Mugabe. Yet, in 2017, he was removed from his position due to conflicts with Grace Mugabe, the former president’s wife.
Following his dismissal, Mnangagwa left Zimbabwe but returned after a military intervention removed Mugabe from power. He was sworn in as president shortly after. He won his first presidential election in July 2018, but the results were contested.
In August 2023, Mnangagwa was re-elected with 52.6% of the vote. The election was controversial, with claims of irregularities and suppression of opposition.
Who Is The Vice President Of Zimbabwe?
The Vice Presidents of Zimbabwe are Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi. They serve under President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Constantino Chiwenga was born on August 25, 1956, in Wedza, Zimbabwe. He attended local schools before joining the military.
His military career began in the 1970s when he joined the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA), which fought against colonial rule in Rhodesia.
After Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980, Chiwenga rose through the ranks of the Zimbabwe National Army, eventually becoming the Chief of Defence Forces in 2017.
Chiwenga was a key figure in the political events of November 2017, which led to the removal of former President Robert Mugabe.
Following this, Chiwenga was appointed as the First Vice-President on December 24, 2017. He has focused on national security and economic recovery.
Despite facing health challenges, Chiwenga was reappointed as First Vice-President in September 2023. Kembo Mohadi, the Second Vice-President, was born on June 15, 1955, in Beitbridge, Zimbabwe.
He grew up in a politically active family and became involved in the liberation struggle. After independence, Mohadi joined ZANU-PF and held different government positions, including Minister of Home Affairs.
In November 2017, he was appointed as Second Vice-President to balance power and represent different regions. Mohadi’s time in office has faced controversy. He resigned in March 2021 due to allegations of improper conduct but was reappointed in September 2023.
