Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza
FOR the 70 children drawn from seven primary and secondary schools in Bulawayo, walking into the Joshua Nkomo Museum in Matsheumhlophe on Tuesday must have felt like stepping into a living adventure.
It was a rare opportunity to experience the trials, triumphs, fears and successes of the late Father Zimbabwe, Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo.
The children were captivated by neatly arranged portraits, newspaper clippings, handwritten letters, photographs, clothing, tools, gifts from world leaders, kitchen utensils and other personal items used by Dr Nkomo and his wife, the late Johanna “MaFuyana” Nkomo.
The couple’s bedroom is also on display, although visitors are not permitted to enter.
From the moment they stepped onto the verandah – where a bulletproof navy blue Mercedes Benz once used by Dr Nkomo is parked – their curiosity kept tour guides on their toes, with questions about the fascinating artefacts they encountered.
They were joined by members of the Nkomo family, members of the public, church leaders, and teachers, all gathered to commemorate the 26th anniversary of Dr Nkomo’s passing on July 1, 1999, at the age of 82.
To honour his legacy, the Joshua Nkomo Restoration Project Trust and the Joshua Nkomo Foundation opened the museum for free public viewing.
On regular days, an entry fee is charged. The schoolchildren came from JT Mthimkhulu Primary, Light House College, Sizani High, Zenit College, Foundation College, Beacon of Life Institute and Riverdale Academy.
Beacon of Life Institute head boy, Thando Ncube, said the photographs in the museum revealed a man who embraced people of all races.
“Some of the pictures taken during the war show him with young and old people, women and important figures from other countries. From those photographs, I learnt that he was a man of the people,” said Thando.
“I saw many photographs of him with white people and Indians, which shows that even during the war he fostered unity among people of all races.”
From the tour guides’ presentations, Thando said he came to understand Dr Nkomo as a man who loved peace, despite fiercely opposing white oppression. Kimberley Nhemadondo (14) from Riverdale Academy said she was struck by how long it took Dr Nkomo and other freedom fighters to liberate the country.
“Dr Nkomo was very patient. It took him and others a long time to free Zimbabwe from colonialism. The lesson I learnt today is that patience is important when fighting for something you truly believe in.”
Young Ishmael Mpofu, a primary school pupil, was amazed to learn that Dr Nkomo used a bulletproof vehicle.
Speaking at the event, Dr Nkomo’s eldest daughter, Mrs Thandiwe Nkomo-Ebrahim, said her father continued to preach national cohesion even on his deathbed.
