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Joseph Madzimure-Senior Reporter
ZANU PF has paid tribute to the late former Vice President, Dr Joshua Nkomo, for his contribution towards liberating the country from colonial rule and after attainment of independence.
In a statement yesterday, the revolutionary party’s national spokesperson Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa said as Zimbabwe today commemorates 23 years since the death of Father Zimbabwe, as Dr Joshua Nkomo was known, the nation remembered the crucial role he played in freeing citizens from colonial bondage.
Dr Nkomo, who was born on June 17, 1917 in Bukalanga, Bulilima, in Matabeleland South province, died on July 1, 1999.
Cde Mutsvangwa said the ruling party Zanu PF shall forever cherish the peace and unity brought about by the Unity Accord.
“Today marks exactly 23 years following the death of one of Zimbabwe’s founding fathers and liberation struggle luminary, Dr Joshua Nqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo, affectionately known by all as Father Zimbabwe,” he said.
“Zanu PF and President and First Secretary, His Excellency Cde ED Mnangagwa, pay homage to our founding father, who left a legacy that continues to inspire the Second Republic to always cherish peaceful coexistence, tolerance, shun tribalism and build our nation on the pillars of love, unity, oneness and empathy for all our people notwithstanding their creed or ethnicity.”
The Second Republic, said Cde Mutsvangwa, will always remain resolute in defending the land of the people, for both the living, the dead and the unborn.
“Dr Nkomo reminded us even on his deathbed of the talks at hand, to unite our people with our land and address the racial imbalances on land ownership,” he said.
Zanu PF prides itself in having accomplished the task of redistributing land to its rightful owners, said Cde Mutsvangwa, adding that at hand was now to focus on productivity.
“We remember fondly, all your teachings and on this day, we take pride in knowing that you rest in eternal peace,” he said.
“Zanu PF shall forever cherish the peace and unity brought about by the Unity Accord and that signature remains dear to all our people as we enjoy the fruits of peace and development, ready to confront every challenge that comes our way, united as one.”
The late Vice President Nkomo was married to late national heroine, Mama Johanna Mafuyana, and the two had four children namely Thandiwe, Enerst Thutani, Michael Sibangilizwe and Louise Sehlule.
Dr Nkomo is remembered for his leadership during both colonial and post-colonial Zimbabwe.
After his death, he was declared a national hero and buried at the National Heroes Acre.
Online Reporter