Docter Joshua Nkomo was a brave champion of agricultural economy

THE death of the late Vice President Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo on July 1, 1999, robbed Zimbabwe of one of its decorated visionary leaders who clearly understood the political economy of the land and bravely fought for equality and inclusive development.

The late Father Zimbabwe cherished the vision of rural industrialisation as the ultimate stage of black empowerment, whose ideals have found practical fulfillment under the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa.

Zimbabwe yesterday marked 25 years since the death of the late Father Zimbabwe who succumbed to prostate cancer at the age of 82 and was buried at the National Heroes Acre in Harare.

The late Dr Nkomo will always be remembered for his unique leadership credentials and selfless sacrifice, which endeared him to multitudes of people across the country.

Reflecting on the July 1, 1999, experience, Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Cde Judith Ncube, said the commemorations bring memories of the late iconic leader who was also fondly called “Umdala Wethu” due to his non-discriminatory character.

“July 1 reminds us of the passing on of a great leader, the late Vice President Dr Nkomo, popularly known as ‘Umdala Wethu’. It is a day that all level-minded people will always remember,” said Minister Ncube.

“The late Vice President was also a champion of rural industrialisation in order to curb rural-to-urban migration and I am happy that President Mnangagwa has revived that legacy.”

She said Dr Nkomo’s leadership skills were amazing and that while he was firm, he was equally rational and always spoke of peace and unity among the people of Zimbabwe, emphasising unity even in diversity.

“Dr Nkomo was well known for his clear position on the black majority owning land, which was the major source of brave Zimbabweans taking up arms to free this country,” said Minister Ncube.

“He would tell us that ‘nxa ufuna imali, phendulela ibala elithi lima’ and by that, he was telling us that we must own land and farm to economically empower ourselves.”

Although the Land Reform Programme heavily strained relations with Western powers who reacted by slapping the country with illegal sanctions to influence regime change, Zimbabweans have embraced farming in a big way with the agriculture sector recording massive milestones in recent years, as well as creating massive job opportunities for many.

Veteran freedom fighter, Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube, described the late Vice President as a pioneer of the liberation struggle whose contribution is unparalleled, measured by his widespread influence. “The anniversary will always be a very important day to us as a nation; you can’t talk about the liberation of this country without the mention of his name.

“He was the pioneer of the resistance against white rule. All of us took up from him and no one alive or dead can claim to have started the fight against white minority rule ahead of Big Josh, uMdala Wethu. He spent his entire life fighting for a better life for every Zimbabwean, right until his death,” said Rtd Col Dube.

Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya, yesterday said Dr Nkomo distinguished himself as a co-architect of the country’s independence as his pivotal role in leading the liberation struggle paved the way for the emergence of a sovereign Zimbabwe and will forever resonate with the aspirations of the nation for total freedom and eternal self-determination.

“Dr Nkomo embodied a rare blend of patriotism, courage and selflessness. He voluntarily gave up his comfort in order to take part in the struggle to free his nation from the shackles of colonial oppression, his unwavering dedication to political and economic emancipation, steaming from his early involvement with progressive political movements, leave an enduring impression on Zimbabwe, the Sadc sub-region and the African continent at large.

“Dr Nkomo earned international admiration for his unwavering support for social justice and human decency beyond his national heroism,” said Dr Rushwaya.

Late VP Nkomo’s grandson, Hloniphani, who is engaged in co-ordinating activities at the Joshua Nkomo Museum in Bulawayo’s Matsheumhlope suburb said July 1, 1999, shuttered the family largely because of the role that Dr Nkomo played within the family.

He, however, said they were comforted by celebrating his rich legacy and many life lessons and values that continue to inspire many people.

“We remember this day through his works that eventually led to the attainment of independence, which we are enjoying up to this day. It’s a big day for us and the nation,” said Hloniphani.

“My grandfather spent almost his entire life in politics and we take pride that the path he chose was not in vain.”

He said as part of keeping the legacy, a museum was opened at their Matsheumhlophe home and they have since engaged the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education for schools to occasionally visit the place to learn more about the life of Dr Nkomo.

“We dedicate this day to his life and times, and role that he played to liberate this country,” said Mr Nkomo.

The late Father Zimbabwe was born on the 7th of June 1917 and attended school at the London Missionary Society’s Tjimali School after which he went to Tsholotsho Native Government Industrial School before proceeding to Adams College in South Africa.

He then went to the Hofmeyr School of Social Science where he obtained a Diploma in Social Science and later a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of South Africa.

The late Nkomo dedicated his entire adult life to fighting to free Zimbabwe from the yoke of colonialism, starting his political career as president of the Rhodesian Railways African Employees Association in 1948 and later became the president of the Federation of African Workers’ Union in 1954.

He spearheaded and led several political parties namely, the African National Congress (ANC) in 1952, the National Democratic Party (NDP) in 1960, and after the NDP was banned, he formed ZAPU in 1961.

When ZAPU was banned in 1962 he became president of the Peoples Caretaker Council (PCC), which was also banned in 1963 before he was sentenced to a lengthy imprisonment at Gonakudzingwa.

It was during this period that the underground ZAPU structures intensified the recruitment and deployment of freedom fighters.

Upon his release in 1974, Dr Nkomo became chairman of the Revolutionary Council of ZAPU as well as commander-in-chief of ZIPRA (Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army.

In 1976 he and the ZANU leader, the late former President Robert Mugabe forged unity between ZAPU and ZANU called the Patriotic Front.

This led to the two jointly leading the Patriotic Front delegation to the Geneva Conference in 1976 and the Lancaster House Conference in 1979.

It was at this conference that the Rhodesian regime surrendered to majority rule following its defeat after a protracted armed struggle.

On December 22, 1987, the late Dr Nkomo and the later former President Cde Robert Mugabe signed the historic Unity Accord, which ended the civil strife that threatened the country’s independence in the early 1980s.