Zimpapers Logo

Welfare Services for War Veterans, War Collaborators and Former Political Detainees Minister Cde Tshinga Dube (right) and Cde Saul Gwakuba Ndlovu were among guests who attended the Umdala Wethu Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo commemorations at Stanley Square in Bulawayo yesterday

Pamela Shumba Senior Reporter
THE late Vice-President Dr Joshua Nkomo was a selfless and patriotic leader whose legacy should be preserved, war veteran, historian and retired journalist Cde Saul Gwakuba Ndlovu said yesterday.

Speaking during a commemoration to mark 17 years following the death of Dr Nkomo at Stanley Square in Makokoba yesterday, Cde Ndlovu said Dr Nkomo wanted peace to prevail in the country. “Dr Nkomo’s love for Zimbabwe and its people was extraordinary and it must be appreciated forever. Although members of Zipra encouraged him to fight for leadership of the country after the Lancaster negotiations, he refused saying he didn’t fight for the country so that he became the leader. All he wanted was the country to be led by a black man,” said Cde Ndlovu.

“We were treated like dogs before Dr Nkomo and other freedom fighters liberated this country. I remember we used to buy stamps through a window at the Post Office, while the whites were allowed inside.

“There was discrimination everywhere including in the trains, where we were classified according to skin colour. Dr Nkomo, a selfless and devoted leader stood for the people of Zimbabwe and turned the tables,” said Cde Ndlovu.

Dr Nkomo’s son Sibangilizwe, who is also the chairman of the Joshua Nkomo Cultural Movement said his father remained focused and called for peace and harmony among Zimbabweans.

“I remember in 1984, before the signing of the Unity Accord, Dr Nkomo addressed a congress calling for unity and hard work and encouraging people to carry the message of unity wherever they go as well as fight for their rights.

“He always reminded the people to fight for their rights to shelter, land, peace, jobs and equal opportunities,” said Mr Nkomo.

He said the Joshua Nkomo Cultural Movement cherishes the culture of nation building that his father left and will continue working towards the promotion of peace in the country.

“We’re running a healing and reconciliation programme that is meant to promote peace in the country. I pray that peace will continue to prevail in the country,” said Mr Nkomo.

The event was attended by officials from Zanu-PF, MDC-T, MDC, Zapu, the Zimbabwe People First and other organisations. First there was a march from Blue Lagoon to the Dr Nkomo’s statue in the city centre.

Cultural groups and elders led the gathering in song and poetry as rituals were performed at the statue to remember Father Zimbabwe. The march proceeded to Stanley Square in Makokoba.

Meanwhile, Mr Nkomo yesterday slammed former Zanu-PF activist Mr Acie Lumumba for insulting President Mugabe.

Mr Lumumba reportedly insulted President Mugabe using unprintable words, while launching his party called Viva Zimbabwe in Harare on Thursday. He may face charges of undermining the President as defined in section 33 (2) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

Mr Nkomo, speaking at Stanley Square said it was unfortunate that today’s youths had the guts to insult their leaders without shame.

“This is disturbing and unacceptable. I was shocked when I heard that someone insulted the President. There’s no respect in today’s politics. You find politicians fighting one another in public. This is why our youth have no respect. They’re learning from the elders,” said Mr Nkomo.

He commended all political parties who were represented at the commemorations, saying it was a sign that Dr Nkomo was a unifier.