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Mashudu Netsianda, Senior Reporter

HUNDREDS of people from all walks of life yesterday converged at Lobengula Hall in Bulawayo to bid farewell to the late national hero Cde Velaphi Misheck Ncube.

Cde Ncube (82), who was also Zanu-PF’s National Consultative Assembly (NCA) member, succumbed to diabetes on April 29.

In an emotional send off, speakers spoke well of Cde Ncube, describing him as a humble, honest and dedicated revolutionary who contributed immensely to the country’s liberation struggle.

Addressing mourners, Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Cde Judith Ncube described the late national hero as a true cadre who fought a good fight and left a rich legacy for the country.

“In mourning Cde Velaphi Ncube as Bulawayo province and Zimbabwe as a whole, we are saying there is need to follow in his footsteps as he was a hard worker. We can only honour and preserve his legacy by working hard to grow our economy and improve the people’s lives,” she said.

Cde Ncube said if Zimbabweans change their attitudes, the country will be a better place to live in. 

“I remember the late Vice-President Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo in his own words saying ‘Mr (Robert) Mugabe if we are not careful we are leading towards a chaotic situation. We need to rectify this issue of corruption before it is too late because if we don’t our children will destroy this country’s economy.’ Let us therefore put our heads together, unite and work for our country,” said Cde Ncube.

Body of the late national hero Cde Misheck Ncube being flown to Harare from Joshua Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo

Zanu-PF Politburo member Cde Absolom Sikhosana said Cde Ncube was a revolutionary icon with an illustrious liberation history.

“Cde Ncube was a true hero whose credentials are unquestionable. He was a revolutionary icon with inescapable liberation history who left an indelible mark during the liberation struggle and even after independence,” he said.

Cde Sikhosana described the late national hero as a principled man who always preached peace, development and love.

Renowned historian Mr Phathisa Nyathi also gave a detailed narrative of the documented history of Cde Ncube’s contribution to the liberation struggle.

He said the late national hero was a selfless liberator who was among a group that went to Ghana and Egypt to receive military training with a special focus on sabotage.

“Cde Velaphi was one of the pioneers of the liberation struggle. He was always in and out of prison for participating in the armed struggle and it is through sacrifices by people such as Cde Ncube that we attained our independence,” said Mr Nyathi. 

He said at the time of Cde Ncube’s death he had started documenting his history.