Robson Manyika
Robson Manyika was a Zimbabwean soldier, politician and national hero.
He was born in Goromonzi on April 12 1934.
He attended Chikwakwa Primary School for primary education, Chiwiza Secondary and Kwekwe United Mission School for secondary and high school.
Manyika joined and became a committee member of the African National Congress (ANC) in 1959. When the National Democratic Party (NDP) was formed he was became the organizing secretary for youth from 1960-61.
He was detained from 1961 to 63 and held at Hartley Prison for his involvement in politics. After being released from detention, he left the country for military training in the USSR from 1964-65.
On his return he became Chief of Staff ZAPU also High Command for ZIPRA from 1965 to 1970.
In 1970 Manyika joined ZANLA and became the military wings Military and Political Commissar for ZANU in Tanzania and Zambia from 1972-73. He was also the ZANLA Chief Training Commander.
Following the assassination of Herbert Chitepo he was detained in Zambia in 1976 by the Kaunda government. He moved to Mozambique to join in the planning and execution of the guerrilla war and saw military action from 1976-79. During his stint in Mozambique he also served in the role of Secretary of Manpower, Planning and Labour ZANU during the years between 1977 and 1979.
He attedned the Lancaster House Conference of Zimbabwe’s independence as part of the Military Advisory Delegation.
At independence he became ZANU-PF Member of Parliament for Mashonaland West (1980). He received a cabinet position as Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare in the countries new cabinet.
Robson Manyika died on 27 June 1985 in Zimbabwe. He was declared a national liberation hero and buried at the national heroes acre.
