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Pamela Shumba Senior Reporter
BULAWAYO burst to life yesterday when hundreds of people swarmed the city centre in a march to commemorate the life of the late Vice President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo who died 15 years ago.The late national hero died on July, 1, 1999 and since then the day has been used to remember his illustrious contribution to the country during the liberation struggle and after independence.
Yesterday’s event was marked with grandeur as different groups of people from all walks of life rekindled memories of the great fallen hero, Father Zimbabwe.
Traditional groups, dance groups and drum majorettes led the large procession in a march from Blue Lagoon, the Nkomo family business compound near Renkini to the statue at the intersection of 8th Avenue and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street.
Nkomo’s younger brother Edward, his son Sibangilizwe and relatives joined the procession.
Lots of entertainment was provided at the statue site where different groups took turns in song, dance and poetry pieces.
Clad in traditional animal skin gear and hats reminiscent of those worn by ex-Zipra cadres, the elderly took to the stage with song and dance with women ululating in praise of Dr Nkomo.
Various church organisations also joined the event alongside internationally acclaimed groups such as Black Umfolosi and Mpumelelo Shining Stars.
The Light Machine Gun (LMG) choir, which kept former freedom fighters motivated during the struggle, could not be left out.
Earlier on a church service was held in honour of the late icon at Christ the King Roman Catholic Church in Famona.
The procession moved to Makokoba’s Stanley Square around 11AM where different speakers made presentations.
Among the guests was war veterans’ leader Cde Jabulani Sibanda, Bulawayo Provincial Minister of State Cde Eunice Moyo, MDC’s Moses Mzila Ndlovu, Zapu official Dr Strike Mnkandla and scores of ex-combatants.
Residents filled the small stadium and there were entertainment interludes and speeches by different leaders.
When Black Umfolosi sang the popular “Unity” song, the crowd was ecstatic as they joined the group and lifted their hands up to mimic the unity gesture.
Different speakers emphasised the importance of unity and perpetuation of Dr Nkomo’s legacy.
Child president Ntandoyenkosi Moyo said unity was significant to children as well and urged young people to work hard so that they could also be celebrated.
“We must have goals in life and be willing to learn and work hard to achieve those goals. People can never be celebrated for doing nothing. It is the things that we do that make us significant in life,” said Moyo.
“I therefore encourage people, especially the young ones, to leave a mark in their respective communities and the country. What Dr Nkomo did during his time makes us stand today and say we have a father because he pursued his goals and achieved what he wanted.”
The event was held under the theme “national healing and reconciliation” and drew groups from rural Matobo where Dr Nkomo was born.
derick.khumalo