adminPlumtree Correspondent
LIBERATION war heroine and a senior resident of Plumtree, Cde Georgina Nkomo who died recently of hypertension and diabetes complications in South Africa, was buried on Saturday.
She was buried at Murgatroyd Cemetery in Plumtree and was honoured with a gun salute. Cde Nkomo (84) died on 18 October.
She earned the title “The Iron Lady” or “Margaret Thatcher” because of her bravery. She was praised for contributing to the transformation of Zanu-PF into a vibrant party throughout Bulilima and Mangwe districts.
In a graveside eulogy, Zanu-PF Politburo member, Cde Richard Ndlovu described her as a courageous and dedicated liberation war heroine.
He said she displayed bravery under the terror of the Rhodesian government.
“We will never forget the contributions made by Cde Nkomo during the liberation struggle. At a time when a number of people lost focus as the liberation war heated up she displayed courage and never lost focus.
“In the 1970s she dedicated her service towards liberating the country. She provided food to war recruits from other parts of the country who were on their way to join the struggle despite being threatened by the Rhodesian government on several occasions,” said Cde Ndlovu.
He said her role in liberating the country as well as restoring unity could never be overemphasised.
“The greatest desire that Cde Nkomo cherished was to see the country liberated and the resources returned to its rightful owners. She played an active role in spearheading the drive towards unity in the whole of Bulilima and Mangwe.
“I can testify to this because I worked with her while serving as a Member of Parliament for this area in the 1980s. Cde Nkomo has been accorded the heroine status because she earned it and her works will never be overlooked,” said Cde Ndlovu.
He urged people to honour the works of the late Cde Nkomo and other liberation heroes by rallying behind the country’s leadership.
Zanu-PF Central Committee member, Cde Roland Mafesi Ncube described the late heroine as a selfless party cadre who carried out her duties diligently.
He said she had left a mark in the party and in Plumtree.
Her political journey started when she joined the National Democratic Party (NDP) and later Zapu. She was chairperson of the Ntshonalanga branch in Plumtree and was later appointed treasurer in 1964.
Cde Nkomo was arrested and detained in Plumtree from 1973 to 1974 under the guard of the Rhodesian Intelligence Services for performing party duties. After her release her movements were monitored.
After independence she became a member a task force which was involved in the formation of the Unity Accord of 1987 between PF-Zapu and Zanu. In 1989 she was involved in the formation of Zanu-PF’s provincial structure in Gwanda.
At some point, Cde Nkomo chaired the Plumtree Residents Association and also held the position of chairperson in various community projects in Plumtree. She initiated the construction of the Plumtree Community Training Centre in 1983 along with the late Cde Sarah Ncube, Cde Edinah Moyo and Flatter Mkhwebu Mbambo.
She is survived by eight children, 24 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Senior Minister of State, Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo donated 100kgs of maize meal to assist feed mourners at the funeral.
He paid his condolences to the family at their homestead in Plumtree on Friday.
Among the mourners were the MP for Mangwe, Cde Obedingwa Mguni, former MDC Senator for Bulilima, who also served as Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education in the inclusive government, Mr Lutho Tapela and officials from different Government departments.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter