Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
MATABELELAND South Zanu-PF Youth League chairperson, Cde Moses Langa, has said the most fitting tribute Zimbabweans can pay to the late Vice-President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo is to remain united and continue building a peaceful and prosperous nation.
Dr Nkomo, affectionately remembered across generations as Father Zimbabwe and Umdala Wethu, died on July 1, 1999, at the age of 82 after battling prostate cancer.
Twenty-seven years after his passing, he remains an enduring symbol of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, with his legacy continuing to inspire generations of Zimbabweans across the country’s social and political divide.
As the nation commemorates one of its foremost liberation icons on Wednesday, Cde Langa said Zimbabweans should honour Father Zimbabwe by embracing and upholding the ideals he championed throughout his life.
“The most fitting tribute we can pay to Father Zimbabwe is to remain united as Zimbabweans, reject divisions, work hard and play our part in building a prosperous and peaceful nation for future generations.
“As a Zanu-PF Youth League leader from Matabeleland South, I take great pride in the enduring legacy of Father Zimbabwe, a son of our province whose contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation and nation-building remains an inspiration to generations,” said Cde Langa.
He said young people should draw lessons from Dr Nkomo’s exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the nation.
“As young people, Father Zimbabwe’s life is a reminder that patriotism, courage, humility, unity and selfless service to the nation are the foundations of true leadership.
“He dedicated his life to the struggle for Zimbabwe’s freedom and later championed national unity, peace and reconciliation — values that continue to guide our country under the Second Republic.
“We also salute His Excellency President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa for the deliberate and practical programmes he has championed for the youth of Zimbabwe, which are in line with Father Zimbabwe’s vision of a better and prosperous nation.
“Through initiatives that promote youth empowerment, skills development, innovation, entrepreneurship, agricultural transformation, education and participation in national development, the President has shown that the youth are not spectators but key drivers of the country’s future.
“As His Excellency often reminds us, ‘Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo’ — the nation is built by its own people — and indeed young people must be at the centre of building Zimbabwe,” he said.
Cde Langa said the Zanu-PF Youth League continues to encourage young people to draw inspiration from Father Zimbabwe’s vision by actively participating in national development, embracing innovation, respecting the country’s history and safeguarding the hard-won independence secured through the liberation struggle.
“The youth have a responsibility to build on the foundation laid by Father Zimbabwe and other national heroes by contributing positively towards the attainment of Vision 2030 and the socio-economic transformation of our country,” said Cde Langa.
Follow on X: @mthabisi_mthire
Vusumuzi Dube