Online Reporter
Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo. Umdala Wethu. Father Zimbabwe, Chibwechitedza. He was respected across the country for the leading role he played from the formative years of robust trade unionism in the late 1940s; his founding of the Southern Rhodesia African National Congress in 1957, National Democratic Party in 1960 and Zimbabwe African People’s union in 1961 and the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army; the prosecution of the liberation struggle, attainment of Independence in 1980 to the post-independence development of the country.
After serving his motherland with unexampled distinction for so long, he rested today, 27 years ago, aged 82.
Not many people are as truly and widely adored as Dr Nkomo was. He remains in the hearts and minds of the people.
We cite his eldest daughter, Mrs Thandiwe Nkomo-Ibrahim, as saying on these pages that this year’s commemoration will, as usual, honour her father’s memory but also ensure that future generations understand and embrace his philosophy.
“The commemorations will begin with a prayer service at the museum, where close friends and family gather every year to remember him.
“It’s a day when people who knew him share memories, tour the museum and reflect on who he was and what he stood for,” she said.
The Joshua Nkomo National Foundation (JNNF) has activities lined up across the month to support leadership, community engagement and nation-building.
The Joshua Nkomo Memorial Lecture, which will focus on youth leadership and politics, is set for Saturday. There will be a roadshow in Iminyela, poetry and musical performances, as well as community outreach programmes.
Next month there will be a football tournament which the foundation will host in partnership with the Former Highlanders Players Association, featuring free health screening services and anti-drug and substance abuse awareness campaigns.
Looking into the future, the Nkomo family is working with the Government to advance the national thrust to preserve and promote the late nationalist’s legacy. Suggested projects will include the expansion of the Joshua Nkomo Museum in Bulawayo, the establishment of a leadership centre, and the creation of a vocational training centre.
These initiatives are clear evidence of the special place that Father Zimbabwe still occupies in the hearts and minds of the people.
He richly deserves all that and more.We are sure that the people of this country, especially the young, will take a leaf from the voluminous book of Dr Nkomo’s illustrious life. The courage, selflessness, patriotism, foresight, quest for national unity and development.
We hope that the additional projects that Mrs Nkomo-Ibrahim outlined to consolidate Dr Nkomo’s legacy will receive the necessary support, not just from the Government, but also from the private sector and development partners.
