HARARE – Vice President Kembo Mohadi (74) on Thursday appeared to collapse while delivering a lecture at the University of Zimbabwe and was compelled to finish the speech while seated, sparking concerns about his health.
As he struggled to stand, he whispered to his aides, “I can’t, I can’t,” before they assisted him in sitting down, enabling him to continue with his address.
This is not the first time Mohadi’s health has failed him while he is in the public eye.
In October last year, media watchdogs and journalists were outraged after members of the vice presidential security detail ordered them to delete photos and videos of his collapse at a Zanu-PF campaign rally in Gutu.
In the News Vice President Kembo Mohadi forced to deliver lecture while seated – “I can’t, I can’t he said as he whispered into the microphone forcing his aides to come to his rescue @HStvNews pic.twitter.com/9HUgvRrbqJ
— NewsDay Zimbabwe (@NewsDayZimbabwe) June 10, 2024
As Mohadi was airlifted to an unknown destination for medical attention, the security detail rounded up journalists and forced them to delete recordings of the event.
Observers are concerned about Mohadi’s health. They believe leaders should prioritise their health and step down at a certain age, making way for younger leaders.
Investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono said: “This video of Zimbabwe’s Vice President hurt me to the bone. Our leaders should never subject themselves to this kind of humiliation by holding on to power.
“A human gets to a certain age where they are supposed to rest, unwind, and not take on such huge public roles. I wish Vice President Kembo Mohadi well and hope that he will get the rest that he deserves and that his body is demanding!
“Zimbabwe is awash with young people, even in Zanu-PF. These old men and women should make way for those young leaders and not humiliate themselves like this.
“Look south for wisdom and learn from Nelson Mandela!”
Former Mt Pleasant legislator Fadzayi Mahere said: “Shame. This is so tragic. I wish him a speedy recovery. Is there anything that stops them from stepping down so that the next generation can take over? We need new leaders.”
