Prominance Sinomusa Khumalo
Father Zimbabwe Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo took his last breath on the first of July 1999.
Twenty five years later, today the 11th of July commemorations to celebrate the iconic liberator were held at the White City in Bulawayo.
White City stadium is adjacent to the late National hero’s home, in Phelandaba.
The programme availed stated that the guest of honour was to be the Vice President,l Kembo Mohadi who did not turn up at the commemorations.
The events of the day were scheduled to begin at 11:30 am from D square in Njube along Luveve road with a Legacy march to White City Stadium.
The attandance was predominantly school children who could not fill the stadium. The gathering lacked the usually mobilised ZANU- PF supporters whose absence could be felt in the empty spectactors’ wings.
Evidently this event was organised by the Joshua Nkomo Trust.
It was not communicated as to why Vice President Kembo Mohadi could not make it. The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Hon. Judith Ncube stood in for the Vice President. She stood and thanked the school children for gathering to commemorate this prestigious day. A speech read by the Minister of State on behalf of Vice President Mohadi said,
“We are gathered to celebrate the life and the works of the late Vice President of the first republic Cde Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo.
“He was a great icon, a symbol of peace, a pillar of love, a guardian of unity and foremost a great teacher of tolerance”.
VP Mohadi went on to say that the late Father Zimbabwe displayed unity qualities that he (Mohadi) was privileged to witness and learn from.
The chairperson of Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Trust, today’s event organisers, Mehluli Moyo said that the commemorations were delayed because the guest of honour VP Mohadi had a busy schedule and had suggested today as the day to remember with a gallant son of the soil.
Mehluli Moyo quoted Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo as saying that this country was not going to die as the youths were going to save it and move it forward.
Asked how was this going to be possible when the very same youths are dogged by unemployed and currently the drug and substance pandemic is menacing them, he responded;
“It is important for us (elders/ government) to take care of the youths and make sure they dont die as a results of these drugs.
On the sidelines of the event the Minister Of State For Provincial And Devolution Hon. Judith Ncube said besides today’s commemorations there are Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo lectures being done all over the country by different colleges and universities, all aimed at empowering young people about the legacy of uMdala Wethu.
Asked why the stadium was half filled by students the Minister said,
“Today’s commemorations was targeting school children because we want to cascade information about uMdala uNkomo ukuze kungafi (so that his history is not forgotten).”
Some students from Mazwi Primary School Siduduzile Moyo and Thandiwe Ndiweni failed a test on when Father Zimbabwe died but were able to mention what they learnt today,
“Sifunde ukuthi uBaba uNkomo was Father Zimbabwe was the son of the soil, a peace maker and a uniter”.
Mrs. Mlawuzi a teacher from Mahlathini Primary said,
“I advocate for this day to be a public holiday so that we gather and celebrate the legacy of our liberator in many numbers with many activities.”
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