By Staff Reporter

BIRMINGHAM: MDC party founding member, academic and cancer awareness campaigner, Elliot Pfebve, was laid to rest in Birmingham last Friday after succumbing to a longe battle with cancer.

His white casket was draped with the Zimbabwean flag, recognising his enduring connection with the turbulent politics of his country of birth even as he had become an active member of the UK’s Labour party which he represented in local elections.

Hundreds of people attended the sombre send-off at Christ Church in Walsall where friends, colleagues and family paid tribute to his courageous political activism and brave fight against cancer.

“Even though he was hurt by his political enemies, it never stopped him,” said Walsall member of Parliament Valerie Vaz.

“He never complained about anything,” she continued. “He never complained about what life threw at him, and it threw a whole lot; more than any of us will ever know.

Referring to his work with the Labour party, Vaz said, “He just got on with it, whether it was campaigning in local and general elections. If words hurt him, he never showed it.

“To his Coventry University friends and (students) imagine being taught by a legend, someone who on another day could have been the prime minister of Zimbabwe. How amazing is that; imagine how inspiring that is.”

His niece described Pfebve as “an educator, huma rights activist and fearless change champion who fought against injustice and was always on the frontline in the fight for democracy”.

Pfebve, who helped found Zimbabwe’s opposition MDC party in 1999, died aged 57 on May 24, 2026 after a long battle with cancer.

He made history by becoming the first patient to be treated with a personalised vaccine for bowel cancer following the launch of a world-leading NHS trial “matchmaking” service to help find new life-saving treatments.

Speaking about the treatment at the time, Pfebve said, “Taking part in this trial tallies with my profession as a lecturer, and as a community-centred person. I want to impact other people’s lives positively and help them realise their potential.

“Through the potential of this trial, if it is successful, it may help thousands, if not millions of people, so they can have hope, and may not experience all I have gone through. I hope this will help other people.”

Recalling how he dealt with his diagnosis, Pfebve’s niece said, “When cancer entered his life, it tested his physical body but never touched his spirit.

“Throughout his illness, Elliot showed us the true definition of grace and resilience. He did not let the disease define his final chapters.

“Instead of retreating, he became a trailblazer, even participating in a pioneering vaccine trial. He did not do that for himself only; he wanted to help ensure that thousands of other families out there would not have to suffer the way he did.

“He took his darkest circumstances not as moments of despair but as opportunities for educating others.

One of Pfebve’s sons described him as not just their father, but a mentor and role model who “taught us about the importance of family, integrity and hard work”.

“I cannot put into words the hole that has been left in the family,” he said.

“I however refuse to be upset; instead, I choose to celebrate the life of an icon, the life of a Zimbabwean legend who managed to travel the world, fought against oppression and gave back to the community.”

Pfebve became widely known in Zimbabwe during the violent 2000 elections after contesting the Bindura constituency. His younger brother, Matthew, was reportedly killed by suspected Zanu PF militants who allegedly mistook him for Elliot during politically charged attacks at the time.

After fleeing Zimbabwe in the early 2000s, Pfebve settled in the United Kingdom where he built a career in academia and information technology.

He later became a senior lecturer and academic leader at Coventry University and also established the Pfebve Cancer Support charity to help provide emotional support, counselling, and resources for minority communities.

Pfebve is survived by his wife Dorothy, four children and one grandchild.

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