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Ncube (54) was found dead next to his car with gunshots on the head in Namibia on 26 August. He was living in Namibia. He was an independent consultant on disability issues, a job that took him around the world where he assisted in building capacities and strengthening disabled persons organisations.
Speaking during his burial at West Park Cemetery on Friday, former Bulawayo Mayor Cde Joshua Malinga described Ncube as a man who loved the disabled.
“We are gathered today to bury a great man, a friend and a fighter for people with disabilities. Ncube advocated for us and he was among the first people who questioned Government policies and structures that are insensitive to disabled people.
“We will remember his efforts, which were known in more than 70 countries. Many people tend to think that disabled people are not humans, but Ncube helped many of us gathered here today to achieve whatever we have in life,” said Cde Malinga.
He said disabled people were still suffering and it was time for leaders to stand and advocate for them.
“Disabled people are still suffering, hungry and poor as in the days of Jesus Christ. We kindly appeal to our leaders to start treating us as humans and consider involving us in everything,”’ said Cde Malinga.
Also addressing mourners, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Seiso Moyo said Ncube had left a legacy of hard work.
“It breaks our hearts to see people like Ncube die when our communities still need people of such calibre. Ncube went all over the world advocating for the rights of the disabled and if all of us follow in his footsteps, we will improve our lives,” said Deputy Minister Moyo.
Ncube was born in Makhulambila, Lower Gweru and attended Makhulambila Primary School and Jairos Jiri Association in Bulawayo from 1962-1969.
He then proceeded to Dombodema for his Junior Certificate and then went to Thekwane High School where he completed his O-Level.
He went to Domboshawa Training Centre for African Council Officers’ training before attaining a certificate in Development Studies at Selly Oak College in England.
Ncube then acquired a certificate in mainstreaming Disability in Development at the University of East Angalia in 2005 and recently a Masters Degree in Development Studies at the same university.
He was also the national executive director for the Council of the Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe (NCDPZ), an organisation that he helped form with his friend Mr Malinga.
He also worked at Action on Development and Disability (ADD) at Frome Summerset in UK. He consulted for important organisations like the United Nations, African Union and a number of national, regional and international non-governmental organisations.
Ncube is survived by wife, Alexia, a member of the House of Assembly in Namibia, seven children and four grandchildren.
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter