Chronicle Editor
Flora Fadzai Sibanda, Chronicle Reporter
THE late outspoken Alderman Ephraim Ncube was yesterday buried at Lady Stanley Cemetery after a service that was held at the Amphitheatre.
The service was attended by scores of people.
During the service, his family and friends described him as a humble person who was quick to give constructive criticism.
They described him as a good leader, a hard worker for Bulawayo, a selfless, loyal and reliable man who was a father figure to everyone.
Alderman Ncube died on Wednesday, 15 March, at Mpilo Central Hospital. He was 84.
Speaking at the funeral service, his grandson Mr Cele Ncube said the family had lost a great advisor who was always quick to give advice whenever they needed it.
He said he enjoyed spending time with his grandfather because he was a straight talker, and his family always knew he would put them on the right track whenever they started doing things the wrong way.
“Khulu has left a big gap which we all don’t know how to fill. We will miss his wise words and how he would discipline us when we started doing things that were not proper. Words are failing me, but I can only pray and hope he rests in peace,” said Mr Ncube.
Speaking on behalf of his friends, a man who could only be identified as Khulu Nkomo said his friend did not like people who did not follow the rules.
He said Alderman Ncube referred to such people as “amampitshompitsho” meaning rubbish.
Khulu Nkomo said he is going to miss his friend who, despite being wheelchair bound, would always visit him at his home to discuss ways Bulawayo can be improved and restored to its former glory.
He said Alderman Ncube was quick to shut those who were against leadership up as he believed leadership should always be supported no matter what the situation is.
Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Councillor Mlandu Ncube said he will remember the late Alderman as a mentor as he was the one who mentored him during his early years in politics.
He said just like any father, Alderman Ncube was very strict and was quick to discipline anyone despite their age, putting them in their place if they failed to listen to what he was saying.
The deputy mayor said he had lost a father in Alderman Ncube and would miss seeing his welcoming yet serious face.
“He loved Bulawayo and was always quick to make sure it gets the best service.
He would easily tell you if you were doing something wrong and would not care about your position as long as he was able to correct you,” said Mr Ncube.
Prior to the funeral service, the Bulawayo City Council held a meeting in honour of the late Alderman Ncube where the Mayor, Councillor Solomon Mguni, councillors and the aldermen spoke about the late Alderman Ncube and the years they shared with him.
Alderman Ncube served as Councillor for Ward 17 comprising Pumula North, Hyde Park Villages and Hyde Park from 2008 to 2018, having been sworn in on 2 April 2008 and re-elected and sworn in on 16 September 2013 for the 2013 to 2018 Council.
He is survived by his wife, four children, nine grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. -@flora_sibanda
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