Zimbabwe marks 12th Anniversary of former Vice President Nkomo’s passing

Online Writer
ZIMBABWE today commemorated the 12th anniversary of the passing of former Vice President Dr John Landa Nkomo, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa hailing him as a “champion of peace” and “a dedicated nation-builder.”
In a statement, President Mnangagwa reflected on the life and legacy of Dr Nkomo, who passed away on 17 January 2013.
“Dr John Landa Nkomo’s footprints traversed the nascent trade union and nationalist landscape from 1958 to Independence, and the immediate post-Inclusive Government era,” the President noted.
Dr Nkomo, born on 22 August 1922, held various influential government positions, including Deputy Minister of Industry and Energy, Minister of Labour, and Speaker of Parliament.
He was also instrumental as Minister of State responsible for National Healing, Reconciliation, and Integration.
President Mnangagwa praised his contributions, saying Dr Nkomo’s leadership “pioneered lasting developmental projects in rural Tsholotsho District and beyond.”
On the international stage, Dr Nkomo was elected President of the International Labour Conference in 1993 and chaired the Governing Body of the International Labour Organisation in 1994. President Mnangagwa described him as a leader who “discharged his roles honourably.”
President Mnangagwa also urged Zimbabweans to uphold Dr Nkomo’s values of unity and peace, quoting his popular mantra: “Peace begins with me. Peace begins with you. Peace begins with all of us.”
He added, “As we remember Cde John Landa Nkomo, we should forever cherish the peace and tranquillity that has become the cornerstone of our developmental trajectory.”
Dr Nkomo became Vice President of Zimbabwe in 2009, a position he held until his death. He is remembered as one of the country’s national heroes and a key figure in shaping Zimbabwe’s post-independence political landscape.
The President concluded his statement by calling on citizens to “shun divisive tendencies” and honour the sacrifices of revolutionary leaders like Dr Nkomo by safeguarding Zimbabwe’s democracy. “May the soul of our illustrious son of the soil and national hero, Cde. John Landa Nkomo, rest in eternal peace,” he said.
The commemoration serves as a reminder of Dr Nkomo’s enduring impact on Zimbabwe’s history and his role in promoting unity and reconciliation.
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