Cde Joshua Teke Malinga, a Special Advisor to the President, former Mayor of the City of Bulawayo, and member of the Zanu-PF Politburo, has passed away at the age of 79. His son, Mr. Mpehlabayo Joshua Malinga, confirmed his father’s death, stating that he had been unwell for some time after a recurrence of prostate cancer, which he had previously battled successfully four years ago.
Cde Malinga was born on April 20, 1944, in Filabusi. He contracted Polio at a young age, which left him physically disabled. Growing up in Filabusi, he would stay at home, taking care of the grains while others worked in the fields. His life took a turn when the late Cde Naison Khutshwekhaya Ndlovu brought him to Bulawayo and enrolled him at the Jairos Jiri center, where he received an education and training as a cobbler. Witnessing the mistreatment of black people by the white population deeply affected him, leading him to join politics.
Cde Malinga became an activist and gained prominence in politics. In the early 1990s, he was elected as Ward 2 Councillor and later served as Mayor from 1993 to 1996, completing two terms as an Executive Mayor. He also held positions as Zanu-PF District Chairman for Lookout Masuku district, Provincial member, Central Committee member, and was appointed to the Politburo until his passing. Additionally, he served as the World President of disabled people.
Mourners are currently gathered at number 1 Brooke Road in Richmond, Bulawayo, to pay their respects to Cde Joshua Teke Malinga.
