Nyamandlovu reverberates in fanfare

mega tents that were pitched with the resemblance and size of a soccer stadium.
Some people sat under trees while others followed proceedings from treetops, as they could not find space to sit.
People kept coming in truckloads and different cars both private and public until sunset as other guests came from all parts of Matabeleland North and South provinces, Bulawayo and Midlands and elsewhere across the country.
The vast parking space was full and some ended up parking their cars on the sides of the road approaching the homestead, which at first sight one would mistake for a royal palace or a home in the leafy suburbs of a big city.
It took more than two hours for all the guests to be fed from the 20 feeding points that had been set up as lunch started at 5pm until long after 7pm.
There was beef, chicken, and other different kinds of food and guests were continuously served soft drinks and bottled water during the proceedings prior to lunch.
Among the VIPs were Acting President, Dr John Landa Nkomo who was the guest of honour, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Sithembiso Nyoni, Resident Minister for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Ambassador Cain Mathema, Matabeleland South Governor Angeline Masuku, Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa and Minister of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment, Saviour Kasukuwere.
Others were Bubi-Umguza Senator Cde Lot Mbambo, Insiza North MP, Cde Andrew Langa, Insiza Senator Cde Naison Khutshwekhaya Ndlovu, Matabeleland North Provincial Administrator Ms Latiso Dlamini, Zanu-PF Politburo member, Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube, Zou Vice-Chancellor Dr Primrose Kurasha and her husband Professor Jameson Kurasha, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development Mr Prince Mupazviriho, Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Retired Colonel Christian Katsande, Zanu-PF Politburo member Abigail Damasane, party Central Committee members together with members of the Johane Masowe Church Apostolic Church, traditional leaders, heads of different Government departments and service chiefs.
The crowd was kept in stitches by the directors of ceremony Mr Felix Moyo and Mr Ben Martins Dube, a senior official in Acting President Dr Nkomo’s office.
A cross-section of people who attended the function said they had never witnessed such an event where thousands attended on a single day.
Mrs Sazini Ndlovu from Ward Nine in Tyce Hurst said they had only witnessed events relatively similar to the Saturday one during Heroes and Independence Day celebrations.
Mr Zulu from Nyamandlovu Business Centre said the turnout showed that Dr Mpofu was “powerful and loved by his people”.
“We once had a big function last year when one farmer won some cattle for being the best farmer in the area near Sawmills but today was exceptional because of the number of people and cars that are here,” said another guest who could not be named but comes from Sawmills.
Speaker after speaker marvelled and praised the attendance saying it was testimony of the life Dr Mpofu was living.
The Mpofu family spokesperson and Dr Mpofu’s elder brother Mr Robert Maqhinga stole the limelight when he narrated Dr Mpofu’s history as a young boy revealing his childhood name “Maminza” which Dr Mpofu attained because of his big appetite for food.
He said Dr Mpofu was always surrounded by people when still a small boy. This was demonstrated again by the high number of people that turned up for the celebrations.
Dr Mpofu himself said he was overwhelmed by the resounding response from people from his constituency, Umguza and the country as a whole.
“I want to thank Umguza community because this day is because of their support. As you can see, the whole of Zimbabwe is here, leaders and you the people. I want to thank all the visitors here and say as Zimbabwe let us celebrate the good things we have and condemn bad behaviour in our country. This is a big day and let us celebrate together,” said Dr Mpofu.
A local traditional Nyamandlovu group, sent every spectator including the VIP on their feet with its old song,” Lehl’umdudla ligad’istonkwana lihambe lihudul’inyawo, kukhanya kalikwazi elikufunayo”, which castigates the electorate for voting for rival political leaders in the name of change and start complaining when those leaders later abandon them.
Dr Nkomo drew laughter when he said detractors of the country would interpret Dr Mpofu’s PHD as “Poor Human Development.”
“We thank you for coming to celebrate together with the Mpofu family on the graduation and birthday party of Dr Mpofu. He could have told you in many ways but this event is much louder than words,” said Dr Nkomo.
“Obert has written a message that we are one and this attendance from the length and breath of the country is not because you wanted to eat inyama yeNyamandlovu but you came to celebrate because it is yours.”
Minister Mnangagwa said the turnout was testimony Dr Mpofu was very popular both in his area and the country.
“Today is testimony Dr Mpofu is popular. He would say so to the President and I always thought it was his propaganda because of his journalism background but today I have witnessed it myself,” he said.
“The way all these people are ecstatic shows that they came on their own will and out of the love they have for Mpofu (Dr).”
He said such an event should be an inspiration to the younger generation to emulate.
Minister Kasukuwere jokingly said Dr Mpofu’s nickname in Cabinet was “Drag liner” because he literally pulls and drags a bigger chunk of everything he does.
Entertainment was provided by Bulawayo musicians Majahawodwa “Jeys” Marabini, Chase Skuza, Cool Crooners, Charles Zwane formerly with Ndolwane Super Sounds, Iyasa and Bob “Headmaster” Nyabinde from Kwekwe.