Late Vice President Nkomo ‘turning in his grave’ over drug abuse

THE late Vice President, Dr Joshua Nkomo must be turning in his grave at the sight of young people being so enthralled by social ills such as drugs and substance abuse, Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube has said.

She made these remarks during her welcome address, which was read by the permanent secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Paul Nyoni, at the commemorations of the 25th anniversary of the death of Vice President Dr Nkomo held at White City Stadium last Thursday.

The event, organised by the Joshua Nkomo Legacy Restoration Project Trust, was held under the theme: “Learning from the past, to correct the present and determine the future.”

“Part of the lessons learnt from the past is discipline and good behaviour, our children today display very strange and concerning behaviours, which we never did. This event seeks to provide a platform for us the older generation to engage and steer young people towards a gainful and flourishing path.

“Indiscipline, drugs and substance abuse are now associated with young people, which was a taboo back then. Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo is turning in his grave as a result of what our young people are subjecting themselves to,” said Minister Ncube.

She said that the responsibility to triumph over these social evils, which threaten the future of the country, lies with everyone. Through the wisdom and guidance of Umdala, she noted, everyone takes pride in being Zimbabwean — an identity that should be cherished and preserved for generations to come.

“It was through the dedication and sacrifices of Dr Nkomo and other heroes that we have this independent country today and we should appreciate their efforts by working as a collective in developing it.

“It is programmes of this nature that build bridges to connect the past with the present and tether the younger and the older generations together to transfer knowledge and skills across all generational levels,” said Minister Ncube.

She urged the Joshua Nkomo Legacy Restoration Project Trust to continue implementing programmes that promote and sustain the legacy of Father Zimbabwe across the entire nation.

Minister Ncube also encouraged the youth to value their education and emulate Father Zimbabwe, who began his professional journey as a Tsholotsho-trained carpenter before pursuing higher education in South Africa, where he earned a degree in social work, the first of many academic achievements.

“Such achievements should inspire each and every young person in this country to value education as it is the only way to a comfortable future,” said Minister Ncube.

She said as part of efforts to protect and preserve Dr Nkomo’s dignity and legacy, the Government, following engagements with his family, has facilitated the ongoing construction of the Nyongolo Multi-Purpose Community Centre in Kezi.

Additionally, in the near future, his Pelandaba House will be transformed into a fully-fledged museum, showcasing the rich history of the liberation struggle.

“Our heritage is our pride and we shall preserve it for generations to come. After this event, each and every one of us shall leave this place with a responsibility of making a contribution towards the development of our county as our hero did,” said Minister Ncube.