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The Zanu-PF leadership in Bulawayo province has since recommended that Cde Ncube be conferred a national hero status.
“I bring a message of condolence from the father of this nation, President Mugabe. We are still working on a number of things and I am hopeful the party will deliberate soon on his hero status,” said VP Nkomo.
“We are gathered here to celebrate the life of Cde Ncube who was committed to sacrificing for this country. President Mugabe described him as a true breed of the country and a son who was steadfast in spearheading the liberation of Zimbabwe.”
He said President Mugabe had praised Cde Ncube for his dedication in fighting the colonial rule, which was a violation of human rights for Zimbabweans.
“Cde Ncube wrote his biography and we are failing to describe his personality lest we underestimate or exaggerate.
“President Mugabe urged all of us gathered here to utilise the chance we have to improve the country so that when we die we leave a legacy for this country.
“We should continue fighting for our God- given land that was taken during the colonial period.
“Gone are the days when we would sing ‘God bless the Queen’ because people like Cde Ncube fought against such mentalities,” said VP Nkomo.
“During our times we never demanded drought relief but am amazed because nowadays people expect to be given food rather than to till their own land.
“Let us work hard for our country and develop it because we have the resources.”
Vice-President Nkomo was accompanied by the Governor of Matabeleland South, Angeline Masuku, Deputy President of the
Senate Naison Khutshwekhaya Ndlovu, senior party officials, Cdes Molly Mpofu, Jane Ngwenya, Eunice Sandi-Moyo, Richard Ndlovu, Lot Mbambo and Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube.
The Seventh Day Adventist Church Z imbabwe leadership, Pastor Evans Muvuti, the president and his secretary-general Pastor Richard Sithole also visited the Ncube family describing him as a committed member of the church.
The family spokesperson, Mrs Sylvia Gumpo, who is Cde Ncube’s sister, expressed gratitude to the Zanu-PF leadership for being with the family, which is going through a difficult period.
“We are privileged as a family to have leaders coming all the way to comfort us. I would like to thank the party, SDA Church and Mpopoma residents for all that they have done, may God bless them.
“We are hoping to get feedback from the party soon so that we finalise on the burial arrangements,” said Mrs Gumpo.
Meanwhile, condolence messages continued to pour in for Cde Ncube with Zanu-PF National Chairman Cde Simon Khaya Moyo describing him as a most pronounced nationalist.
In a statement yesterday, Cde Khaya Moyo said during the struggle, Cde Ncube always led from the front.
“His vision and unassuming character contributed immensely to the liberation of our motherland,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.
He said Cde Ncube’s humility, courage and uncompromising revolutionary stance turned him into a leader of great repute.
“He detested corruption and selfishness, believing very strongly that it was better to die a free man than to live an unprincipled life,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.
He said the party would miss his exemplary behaviour , adding that: “Hamba kahle mfoka Ncube.”
Politburo member in Matabeleland South Cde Richard Ndlovu, who was Cde Ncube’s close friend, said the nation had lost a cadre who did not fear the oppressors and had a passion to free his people.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Cde Ncube. Despite being a teacher, he dedicated himself to the liberation of the people of Zimbabwe. He was in and out of prison but never looked back.
“He continued his work until Independence and worked in several parts of the Matabeleland region to resuscitate the party’s structures,” said Cde Ndlovu.
He said Cde Ncube was a tried and tested son of the soil who worked for the people of Zimbabwe until his death.
“The liberation struggle would not be complete if we do not mention Cde Ncube’s name. We went through a lot together and I do not know if I’ll ever have another friend like him.
“Cde Ncube rose through the ranks in the party and became a pillar of many departments in the party, spearheading a lot of programmes that brought a big difference to the people,” said Cde Ndlovu, who was PF-Zapu chairman for Matabeleland South while Cde Ncube held the same post in Matabeleland North, just before the Unity Accord.
Zanu-PF Bulawayo Province deputy secretary for indigenisation and empowerment Cde George Mlala said the death of Cde Ncube was a big blow to the nation.
“It is sad that we have lost a cadre who worked hard for the attainment of Independence. I first met Cde Ncube when I was a young man and he guided many youths before and after Independence. Cde Ncube was like a personal dictionary to me because I learnt a lot from him. We will always remember him. May his dear soul rest in eternal peace,” said Cde Mlala.
Zanu-PF Matabeleland North secretary for information and publicity Cde Jonathan Mathuthu said Cde Ncube was a tireless party cadre.
“He was a significant figure in the country and took part in all the activities during the liberation struggle. On behalf of Matabeleland North, I would like to express our condolences to the Ncube family and the nation as a whole.
“We will always feel the gap that he has left and I would like to encourage members of the party to emulate the legacy of discipline he has left behind,” said Cde Mathuthu.
Cde Ncube, who was a widower, was born in 1938 in Tsholotsho District and attended Matshudula School for his Standard 1 to 3 before going to Luveve School in Bulawayo for his Standard 4 up to 6.
He did Ordinary Level through private studies and also learnt at Hope Fountain Mission from 1956 to 1958. Cde Ncube worked as a schoolmaster from 1959 to 1969 before working at Boka Group as a sales representative.
He joined the ANC in 1959 and later the NDP, Zapu and the PCC and was also the chairman of the Progressive and Development Association, a wing of Zapu from 1962 to 1966.
In 1965, Cde Ncube was arrested for resisting the Unilateral Declaration of Independence and sentenced to 18 months in prison. In 1969, he was arrested again for rising against the referendum for a republic by the Rhodesian Front and was detained at Khami Prison for three years. Cde Ncube was also detained at Marandellas Prison from 1977 to 1979 for recruiting and dealing with freedom fighters, the likes of Andrew Ndiweni and John Maluzo Ndlovu. In 1981, Cde Ncube was elected the Zapu Matabeleland provincial chairman and was also co-chairman of the Matabeleland North Integration Task Force of PF-Zapu and Zanu-PF.
In 1989, he was elected Zanu-PF Central Committee Member and was later appointed the deputy national secretary for commissariat and culture, a position he held up to 1998.
He was elected Member of Parliament for Mpopoma constituency in 1990 until 1995. In 2001, he served in the interim committee of Bulawayo Province until the elections in 2004 when he was elected Central Committee member of Zanu-PF for Bulawayo. Cde Ncube is survived by five children and three grandchildren. Mourners are gathered at 88/7670 Mpopoma.
Online Reporter