Harare – Zimbabwe’s vice president Constantino Chiwenga turned 69 on Wednesday.
Chiwenga, a retired army General is a former commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF).
He was head of the military when the army led a coup that removed former and late president Robert Mugabe in November 2017.
”Happy birthday muntu wami, you came into my life and made it so beautiful, i am forever grateful. I pray to Lord Almighty to grant you more wisdom, discernment, patience, love and most above all a long blessed happy life. Khula uze ukhokhobe Soko yangu❤️❤️❤️❤️ ngikuthanda thandi,” Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga wrote on her Facebook congratulating her husband.
”On this your day remember God’s promises to us…Deuteronomy 28:13. “And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them.”
Chiwenga survived poisoning and took time to recover.
The former soldier has been criticizing corruption in the country in public addresses.
He said corrupt people were called Zvigananda during the armed struggle and has condemned corrupt cartels.
Chiwenga is supported by faction within ZANU PF to succeed President Emmerson Mnangagwa when the incumbent term of office expires in 2028.
However, Mnangagwa loyalists and supporters have been pushing for the veteran ruler to extend his rule to 2030.
Chiwenga was born on 2 July, 1956 in Wedza, Mashonaland East province.
He is a war veteran and he served in the army from 1980 until December 2017 when he was appointed to be Mnangagwa’s deputy.
He has also served briefly as Health Minister when he was vice president.