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Cde Ncube’s sister Mrs Silvia Gumbo said they were grateful to Government for declaring her brother a national hero.
“At the moment that is the most important thing. We would like to appreciate the Government (and) Zanu-PF who have provided us with everything like transport and others,” she said.
Also present at One Commando Barracks were Home Affairs permanent secretary Cde Melusi Matshiya, Major General Douglas Nyikayaramba and senior army, police and Air Force of Zimbabwe officials.
Acting Harare provincial Governor Cde Alfred Tome urged Zimbabweans to throng the National Heroes Acre to bid Cde Ncube farewell.
“We have been given 25 buses that will ferry people to the National Shrine at the usual pick up points starting at 5:30am.
“We expect all Zimbabweans from all walks of life to be at the Heroes Acre by 9:30am as we respect the departed gallant son,” Cde Tome said.
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Cde Ncube, who died at Mpilo Hospital, was born on December 28, 1938 in Tsholotsho District.
A sombre atmosphere engulfed Mpopoma, Bulawayo, where hundreds of mourners thronged Cde Ncube’s home to bid him farewell.
By 9am, scores of people had gathered at Cde Ncube’s house while others awaited the arrival of his body at Pelandaba Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
As Cde Ncube’s body arrived at his home with police escort and a large procession of mourners, everything almost came to a stand still as church members sang aloud with party youths some of whom were toyi-toying, singing revolutionary songs while waving the national flag.
Zanu-PF Central Committee Members Cdes Molly Mpofu and Godfrey Malaba led the 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.
Pastor Richard Sithole of the SDA challenged the large gathering to emulate the lifestyle of Cde Ncube.
He spelt the need for people to do good works that will remain even after their death.
Speakers described the 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 always sought to see people and the revolutionary party 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.”
The large gathering which included Zapu leader Dr Dumiso Dabengwa conducted body viewing to pay their last respects.
At about 1pm, Cde Ncube’s body was taken to the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport where it was flown to Harare. — Herald Reporter/Bulawayo Bureau.
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