Legally, Mphoko was the acting President of Zimbabwe from 21 to 24 November 2017, however, as he was not in the country at the time, his official standing on this is unclear.

[3][4][5][6] Mphoko's term as vice-president was ended by President Emmerson Mnangagwa following the dissolution of the cabinet on 27 November 2017.

Subsequently, he received military training in the Soviet Union, where he became an influential figure in the Zimbabwean liberation struggle.

[9][10][11] On 10 December 2014, President Mugabe finally appointed Mphoko as Vice-President, alongside Emmerson Mnangagwa (who represented the ZANU wing of the party).

[12] Mugabe also assigned Mphoko the ministerial portfolio of National Healing, Peace and Reconciliation.