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His mother, sisters, daughter and four sons accompanied the body.
Home Affairs co-Minister Kembo Mohadi said the nation has lost a gallant fighter who contributed immensely to the liberation struggle.
“We worked together with Cde Ncube. He was a freedom fighter and a liberator. The nation has lost. He was not yours (the family) alone but ours,” he said.
Minister Mohadi thanked the family members who accompanied the body and said the burial arrangements were now in the hands of the State.
He briefed the family on today’s programme and other logistics.
Cde Ncube’s sister, Mrs Sylvia Gumbo said they were grateful to the Government for according her brother the national hero status.
“At the moment that is the most important thing. We would like to appreciate the Government, Zanu-PF Government who have provided us with everything like transport and others,” she said.
Also present at the army’s funeral parlour were Ministry of Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Mr Melusi Matshiya, Major-
General Douglas Nyikayaramba and senior army, police and Air Force of Zimbabwe officers.
Acting Harare provincial Governor Cde Alfred Tome urged Zimbabweans to throng the National Heroes’ Acre to bid farewell to Cde Ncube.
“We have been given 25 buses that will ferry people to the national shrine and people should be at the usual pick up points starting at 5.30 am.
“We expect all Zimbabweans from all walks of life to be at the Heroes Acre by 9.30am,” said Cde Tome.
He said Harare province yesterday sent word of Cde Ncube’s burial to neighbouring rural areas.
Cde Ncube, who died at Mpilo Central Hospital, was born on 28 December, 1938 in Tsholotsho District.
Earlier on a sombre atmosphere gripped Mpopoma suburb in Bulawayo as hundreds of people including Zanu-PF supporters thronged the late Cde Ncube’s home to bid him farewell.
By 9am, scores of people had gathered at Cde Ncube’s house at Number 88/7670 in Mpopoma while others waited for the arrival of his body at Pelandaba Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Cde Ncube’s funeral cortege was accompanied by toyi toying youths singing revolutionary songs.
Zanu-PF Central Committee Members Cdes Molly Mpofu and Godfrey Malaba led the huge procession, which included Cde
Isaac Dakamela to Pelandaba SDA Church where they were welcomed by Chief Gampu of Tsholotsho and pastors that included the president of the SDA Church in Zimbabwe, Pastor Evans Muvuti and his delegation.
Delivering his devotional reading, Pastor Richard Sithole of the SDA, challenged the large gathering to emulate the lifestyle of Cde Ncube.
Speaker after speaker described the late veteran nationalist as a humble, steadfast and principled cadre who led by example.
Alderman Dennis Ndlovu, a former Mayor of Bulawayo and Zanu-PF Central Committee member described Cde Ncube as a unifier who wanted to see Zanu-PF party members working harmoniously.
Chief Gampu said Cde Ncube’s death was a blow to the Tsholotsho community where he came from.
“His death is a loss to the entire nation. As a young chief I am devastated by his death because he was my chief advisor. He was a visionary leader who assisted me a lot in fulfilling my obligations to the community,” said Chief Gampu.
The day’s proceedings wound up with a body viewing.
At about 1pm Cde Ncube’s body was taken to the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport where it was flown to the capital by an Airforce of Zimbabwe plane at 3pm ahead of burial today.
In separate interviews at the JMN International Airport Zanu-PF provincial leaders said Cde Ncube’s death had robbed them of the quality leadership they always cherished.
“This is a painful loss for Bulawayo. Cde Ncube had an admirable character both to the community he lived in and in the party. We are saddened by his death,” said Cde Anna Moyo, the provincial Women’s League Secretary for Production and Labour.
Cde Malaba said Cde Ncube was an inspirational pillar of strength, who related well with everyone.
“I am inspired by his leadership credentials. He is late but we all need to emulate his example. He was not corrupt, maybe that is why he died poor but he was rich in principle and his leadership qualities,” said Cde Malaba.
Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial Secretary for Administration Cde Josphat Ndebele said he was mentored by Cde Ncube, adding that he witnessed the brutality Cde Ncube suffered at the hands of the Rhodesian forces.
Said Cde Stars Mathe: “Simadolo nzima (we are very sad) following Cde Ncube death. We have lost a wonderful counsellor. His personality attracted people to join the party.”
Cde Silas Dlomo, the provincial Political Commissar also expressed sadness and only said: “Silahlekelwe kakhulu. I learnt politics from him. The country needed people like him especially in a situation like this.”
The acting Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial chairman Cde Killian Sibanda announced that seven buses left for Harare last night from different districts in Matabeleland region.
The national chairperson of the Zimbabwe National Retired Members Association, Cde Stalin Zowa, sent his condolence message to the Ncube family describing him as a true nationalist.
Online Reporter