Mujuru, Joyce (1955–)
Mujuru, Joyce (1955–)
Zimbabwean guerilla fighter. Name variations: Mrs. "Teurai Ropa" Nhongo (meaning "Spill-blood" Nhongo); Teurai Ropa Nhongo; Teurai-Ropa Nhongo; Teurai Ropa Nhongom; Joice Mugari; Joice or Joyce Nhongo; Joice Mujuru, Mrs. J. Mujuru. Born Joice Murari, April 15, 1955; m. Rex Nhongo (deputy head of Mugabe's ZANLA forces [aka Tapfumaneyi Rex Nhongo Mujuru; aka Solomon Mujuru]); children: 3.
Under the name Teurai-Ropa Nhongo, was a member of General Staff of ZANLA at 18 and camp commander of the women's detachment of largest guerilla camp in Mozambique at 21, during Zimbabwe's war of liberation in Rhodesia; the most famous guerilla in the ZANLA forces, famed as a fierce fighter, was sought by Rhodesian security troops; gave birth to daughter during raid of camp Chimoio; as minister of Youth, Sport, and Recreation, became Zimbabwe's 1st and youngest woman Cabinet minister in Mugabe government soon after independence (1980); served as minister of Community Development and Women's Affairs (1980–85), minister of State by the Prime Minister (1985–88), minister of Community Development, Cooperatives and Women's Affairs (1988–92), resident minister and governor-Mashonaland Central (1992–96), minister of Information, Post and Telecommunication (1996–97), and minister for Rural Resources and Water Development (1997–2004); became vice-president of Zimbabwe (2004).