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Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]

THE late Vice President of the country Dr John Landa Nkomo is a stalwart of the liberation struggle who contributed immensely to the birth of an independent Zimbabwe, President Mnangagwa has said.

In his commemoration message on the late former Vice President Dr Nkomo, who died on January 17, 2013 and was interred at the National Heroes Acre on January 21, President Mnangagwa said Dr Nkomo was irked by injustices of the colonial system and resolved to commit himself unflinchingly to the liberation of his motherland.

“On this day, 17th January 2024, the Second Republic joins the family of the late former Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr. Nkomo in remembering a stalwart of the liberation struggle who contributed immensely to the birth of an independent Zimbabwe. From humble beginnings in rural Tsholotsho, Cde Nkomo was irked by injustices of the colonial system and he resolved to commit himself unflinchingly to the liberation of his motherland,” said President Mnangagwa.

The late Vice President served the nation he had helped liberate in various portfolios which included Cabinet Minister, Speaker of Parliament from 2005 to 2008, Minister of State in the President’s Office, and national chairman of the ruling Zanu-PF Party in 2009, the same year that he ascended to the post of Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe.

“In all the aforestated positions, Cde Nkomo exhibited unparalleled humility, selflessness and diligence, always striving to achieve the best results for communities and our entire nation, no matter the circumstances. As a true revolutionary, he lent maximum support to all empowerment and development programmes, foremost being the land reform programme, which returned a vital resource to its rightful owners. Many today can testify to the former Vice President’s principled stance on nation-building, which saw him popularize the mantra “Peace begins with me. Peace begins with you. Peace begins with all of us,” said President Mnangagwa.

He added;

“As we remember our late former Vice President, the Second Republic once again declares its unequivocal commitment to the uplifting of all Zimbabweans, leaving no one and no place behind. The second phase of the National Development Strategy shall be implemented with greater resolve as we consolidate the veritable gains so far scored. May the soul of the illustrious son of the soil and our national hero, the dear departed Cde Nkomo, rest in eternal peace.”