Ndlovu speaks on health, politics

FORMER Deputy Speaker of the Senate and Zanu-PF Central Committee member Cde Naison Khutshwekhaya Ndlovu has spoken out for the first time since ill-health kept him away from the public eye for a whole year.
In an interview at his Luveve 4 home in Bulawayo on Thursday, Cde Ndlovu said due to his deteriorating health, he has not attended any Zanu-PF meetings including the Annual Peoples Conference in Victoria Falls.

“I started getting ill just after the New Year’s holiday (in January 2015) and I have not been well since then but I am ill just like everyone else gets ill, and I am praying that as we enter the new year I will get better,” he said.

Cde Ndlovu was the last chairman of PF-Zapu before the Unity Accord which gave birth to Zanu-PF and was Bulawayo’s first black mayor.

He said although he has been behind the scenes on the political front due to illness, he was pleased with Zanu-PF victories in all by-elections in June and December, warning that the party needs not to relax.

“Zanu-PF needs to strategise and maintain power since the party has made big strides so far as they have won the by-elections. You do not relax in times like these but have to ensure that the enemy does not get a chance to penetrate. Elections are around the corner so we have to be focused on winning,” said Cde Ndlovu.

Cde Ndlovu’s wife, Sithokozile, said they needed support from the community.
“In times like these you need support from others and this is seen by visits and even phone calls that people make just to strengthen you when your loved one is ill. If people are in support they offer ideas on how to handle some issues and that way there is progress but when it seems like you are alone it is tough. Khulu (Cde Ndlovu) is a man of integrity and served the country well and he also deserves to have people coming in to visit during this difficult time.”

Those that have visited Cde Ndlovu during his illness include Cdes Ignatious Chombo, Saviour Kasukuwere and Absalom Sikhosana. Cde Ndlovu turned 85 in September and a traditionally themed party was held for him by his family, with a number of people attending the event.

His children profiled what they remember about him seeing that they were raised by their mother as Cde Ndlovu actively involved in the liberation struggle.