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Molline Gagare Chronicle Reporter
JOSHUA Nkomo Cultural Movement (JNCM) in partnership with the Madojweni Cultural Society yesterday held a ritual in preparation for the birthday and 16th anniversary of the death of the late liberation icon, Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo.
Dr Nkomo, affectionately known as Father Zimbabwe, was born on June 17 in 1917 and passed on on the 1st of July in 1999.
The ritual was held at the late Vice President’s statue at corner Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street and 8th Avenue.
Khulu Thobela Ncube, the custodian of Njelele Shrine, led the two ensembles which were clad in traditional regalia. They drank umqombothi, a traditionally brewed beer, danced and ululated to the rhythm of traditional drums.
Mehluli Moyo, director of JNCM, said Father Zimbabwe was a man who fully embraced African tradition and was proud of his roots, hence the presence of the two groups to seek spiritual guidance from him.
“Our father always wore traditional head gear wherever he went.
“He wasn’t only a political leader but also a cultural one. The elders at this shrine today, are here to tell him of the great work that’s going to be done on the 1st of July. We’re here to ask him to lead the way so that the commemorations are done without any mishaps,” he said.
Khulu Thobela said just like the Christians who celebrate the birth and death of Jesus Christ, traditionalists in the region also celebrate the birth and death of the late icon.
“In the Christian world, Christians always remember Jesus Christ, so in that vein, we also remember you dear Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo.
“We’re your children and we need you. Come back from wherever you are. There’ve been no rains since you departed. Please come back with the rains,” said Thobela in a prayer.
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