Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve
Victoria Falls Reporter
VICE President Kembo Mohadi has paid tribute to the late Vice President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo, describing him as a towering unifier whose legacy of peace and national unity remains a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s stability.
He was speaking in a recent interview with Zimpapers in Victoria Falls on the 27th anniversary of the death of the liberation icon.
Dr Nkomo, affectionately known as Father Zimbabwe, passed away on July 1, 1999, at the age of 82.
This year’s commemorations coincide with a period of renewed focus on the development of Matabeleland, the region of his birth, including major infrastructure projects and the decentralisation of national events to honour his rich legacy and advocacy for equitable development.
VP Mohadi said the principles of unity taught by the founding fathers are essential for fostering the peace required for national development.
“We remember the day Father Zimbabwe bowed down and left us. We remember him on a daily basis for the good works that he did here in Zimbabwe and in the region,” VP Mohadi said.
“He is a pioneer nationalist who was among the first people who led the war of liberation together with some of his comrades who have since departed.
“They left us with one word: that Zimbabweans should be united. They taught us not to discriminate against ourselves based on tribe, ethnicity or otherwise but that we are one people,” he said.
“So, the current ZANU PF party is a symbol of unity that Father Zimbabwe left us with.
“We really want to thank him for this and we will continue to remember him for leaving behind a long-lasting legacy of unity and peace. If we unite, there will be peace and that peace will foster development,” said VP Mohadi.
