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Takudzwa Magudu Chronicle Reporter
HUNDREDS of people are flocking to visit the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Museum in Bulawayo ahead of the national week to celebrate the life of the late veteran nationalist. The Government has set the first week of July as a national week to commemorate the life and achievements of the late Vice-President Nkomo.
The museum recorded 6 400 visits since the beginning of the year, compared to 8 400 visits for the whole of last year.
In an interview yesterday, chief executive officer Mr Jabulani Hadebe said the museum expected a record number of visitors this year.
Mr Hadebe attributed the rise in the number of visitors to increased awareness about the pivotal role played by the late Father Zimbabwe in the liberation of this country.
He urged more Zimbabweans to visit the museum to familiarise themselves with the liberation struggle and its values.
“This is a one stop centre that offers information about the life and works of the late Father Zimbabwe. The museum symbolises the dedication of his life to the service of the nation. It contains pictures, newspaper cuttings and other memorabilia that includes his liberation struggle days’ shirts, brief cases and many personal items,” said Mr Hadebe.
He said there were lessons of great significance to be learnt by fellow Zimbabweans at the museum.
“There are a lot of core values to be leant from the unique leadership style of the late Father Zimbabwe, as well as the role played by other gallant fighters for the liberation of the country. We want Zimbabweans to know that the peace they are enjoying today did not come on a silver platter but cadres like Father Zimbabwe and other departed and living cadres sacrificed their lives for it,” said Mr Hadebe.
He said it was important for Zimbabweans to learn more about the life of the late Father Zimbabwe, so they appreciated the value of his contribution to the country.
“There is need for the community, especially youths to visit the museum as it could enhance their knowledge and appreciation so that everyone celebrates the life of the late veteran nationalist,” said Mr Hadebe.
Pupils from different schools will be touring the museum in remembrance of Dr Nkomo during the national commemoration week.
Vice President Nkomo died on 1 July, 1999 in Harare at the age of 82 and is among the gallant sons of the soil buried at the National Heroes’ Acre.
Online Reporter