In 1961 Takawira sent a strongly worded cable to Joshua Nkomo condemning the acceptance by the NDP delegation of the proposals for constitutional change.
Takawira joined the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU) on its founding in 1961 was appointed secretary for external affairs.
He joined Ndabaningi Sithole's breakaway movement, the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU), in August and was appointed vice-president.
He was detained in late 1964 and confined at first to Sikombele alongside Joshua Nkomo, Ndabaningi Sithole, Robert Mugabe and Edgar Tekere.
In 1982, Takawira was reburied with full military honours in Harare at the national memorial monument called Heroes' Acre.