Joice Runaida Mujuru, also known as Teurai Ropa Nhongo, is a Zimbabwean revolutionary and politician who served as Vice President of Zimbabwe from 2004 to 2014. Prior to that, she had served as a government minister. She was also vice president of ZANU–PF, one of … Read MoreJoice Mujuru (1955- )
Nehanda Charwe Nyakasikana, also known as Mbuya Nehanda, was a Svikiro or spirit medium of the Zezuru Shona people. She was also one of the leaders of the Chimurenga Uprising in the 1890s against the British South Africa Company under the leadership of Cecil John … Read MoreMbuya Nehanda (c. 1840-1898)
Lewis Chitengwa was a Zimbabwean golfer who, in 1993, became the first black person to win the South African Amateur Championship. Chitengwa was born on January 25, 1975, to Lewis Muridzo and an unnamed mother in Harare, Zimbabwe. Chitengwa’s father was an accomplished golf professional … Read MoreLewis Chitengwa (1975-2001)
Tawanda Gumbo, an infectious disease specialist, was born in the Republic of Zimbabwe on August 31, 1967, and grew up in a rigid political system that upheld racial segregation in the former Rhodesia. He completed his medical degree from the Godfrey Huggins School of Medicine, … Read MoreTawanda Gumbo (1967- )
Zimbabwe’s current President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, was born on September 15, 1942, in Zvishavane, Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). His parents were Mafidhi and Mhurai Mnangagwa. In 1955, his family moved to Zambia where Emmerson attended the Mumbwa Boarding School, Kafue Trade School, and Hodgson Technical College. … Read MoreEmmerson Mnangagwa (1942- )
The Republic of Botswana’s first president was Seretse Khama. He was born on July 1, 1921, at Serowe in the British Protectorate of Bechuanaland. His grandfather was paramount chief (kgosi) Kigama III. In 1923 his son, Seretse’s father became Kgosi Sekgoma II. Upon Sekgoma’s death … Read MoreSeretse Khama (1921-1980)
Strive Masiyiwa is a Zimbabwean businessman and philanthropist. He is best known for being the founder and chairman of Econet Wireless International and Zimbabwe’s first billionaire. Masiyiwa was born on January 29th, 1961 in Zimbabwe. His father was a miner who later became a businessman, … Read MoreStrive Masiyiwa (1961- )
Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo was a Zimbabwean anti-colonialist revolutionary and politician who was vice-president of Zimbabwe from 1990 to his death in 1999. Nkomo was born on June 19, 1917 in what was then Matabeleland, Rhodesia into a family where he had eight siblings. After … Read MoreJoshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo (1917-1999)
Georgina Falú Pesante, university executive, community organizer, professor, and Pan-Africanist, was born on April 23, 1939 in Santurce, Puerto Rico to María Magdalena “Malen” Pesante Santana, business owner and homemaker, and Juan “Juanín” Falú Zarzuela, civil rights activist. Her father created the League to Promote … Read MoreGeorgina Falú (1939- )
In 1983, 25-year-old Euzhan Palcy became the first black woman to direct a film produced by a major Hollywood studio. Palcy was born in the French colony of Martinique on January 13th, 1958. Her interest in films began when she was ten as she felt an attraction towards them. At the time, … Read MoreEuzhan Palcy (1958- )
