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Susan Nyaradzo TsvangiraiZimbabwean politician, wife of Morgan Tsvangirai, Prime Minister of Zimbabwe
Date of Birth: 24.04.1958
Country:  Zimbabwe |
Content:
Susan Tsvangirai: A Zimbabwean Political Figure
Early Life and MarriageSusan Tsvangirai, born Susan Mandava, grew up in the Gunde area of Buhera district, near the Dorowa mine. In 1976, she met her future husband, Morgan Tsvangirai, at a nickel mine in Bindura, Rhodesia, where she was visiting her uncle. Susan's presence greatly impressed Morgan, and he declared to his friend that he would marry her. They wed in 1978 and had six children together throughout their 31-year marriage.
Role in the MDC
Despite her preference for privacy, Susan played a significant role in Zimbabwean politics. She emerged as a prominent figure within the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). According to Dennis Murira, the MDC's elections directorate, Susan was "a pillar of strength for the party," providing support to victims of political violence. MDC supporters regarded her as a "mother figure" within the movement.
Support for Morgan Tsvangirai
Susan stood by her husband through challenging times, including his treason trial and the political repression under President Robert Mugabe. She visited him in prison following assassination attempts by pro-Mugabe groups and assisted his recovery from a brutal police assault in 2007. Susan also extended her care to other MDC members, regularly visiting those imprisoned.
Death
In March 2009, shortly after Morgan formed a unity government, Susan admitted to the BBC that the past decade had been an "endurance test" for her, her husband, and the MDC. On March 6, 2009, Susan Tsvangirai was tragically killed in a car accident on the Harare-Masvingo road. Her husband, then Prime Minister, was also injured. They were traveling to their home in Buhera, Manicaland, to attend an MDC rally. Their Land Cruiser, part of a three-car convoy, was struck by a truck belonging to the US Agency for International Development, causing it to roll over three times. The British Foreign Secretary stated that the truck was part of a British and US aid project, and called the accident a "tragic misfortune." Morgan sustained minor bruises, while Susan succumbed to her injuries in the hospital.
