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Herald Reporters
President Mugabe has described zanu-pf Politburo member and former Cabinet Minister Cde Sikhanyiso Ndlovu, who died on Tuesday, as one of the accomplished educationalists who reshaped the country’s curriculum to suit the new ethos and to meet the huge post-war demand for education.
Cde Ndlovu (78) died at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo after an asthma attack and subsequently stroked last week. In a statement yesterday, President Mugabe said he was saddened by Cde Ndlovu’s death.
“I learnt with a deep sense of sorrow of the death yesterday of Dr Sikhanyiso Ndlovu after a short illness,” he said. “A leading nationalist and ‘intern’ of the notorious Gonakudzingwa Open Prison, Dr Ndlovu stands out as a committed fighter for freedom whose life marks key points and transitions in our struggle for independence.
“Alongside veteran nationalists who included the late Vice President, Dr Joshua Nkomo, he faced numerous arrests, detentions, restrictions and many other forms of direct pressure from settlers.
“He never gave up or compromised on his goal of fighting for a free Zimbabwe. Indeed, when our politics matured from petitions through protests, to eventually assume the final and decisive form of armed struggle, Dr Ndlovu joined many other comrades in Zambia, taking charge of educating children and young cadres in exile. Education was his forte.”
President Mugabe said Dr Ndlovu served as a Cabinet minister in various portfolios especially those to do with education.
“At Independence, Dr Ndlovu was part of a core team of educationalists who reshaped our curriculum to suit the new ethos, and to meet the huge post war demand for education,” he said.
“His ZDECO colleges played a pivotal role in dispensing education to adults whose opportunities for normal schooling had been interrupted by the war.
“He served as a minister of Government in a number of ministries, principally those of education and information where he acquitted himself admirably. In the party, he shaped our thinking on education, ensuring this key gain of post-independence continued to be consolidated.
“His public spiritedness and clarity of thought shall be missed in both the party and in larger society.
“On behalf of the party, Zanu-PF, Government, my family and my own behalf, I wish to express by deepest sympathies to the Ndlovu family, especially Amai Ndlovu and the children, on their saddest loss. May they find comfort in the late departed’s outstanding accomplishments and record as a fearless fighter for freedom. Today the nation he helped to liberate heartily reveres him.”
Meanwhile, condolence messages were already pouring in for Cde Ndlovu yesterday.
In a statement, Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister Cde Chris Mushowe, said Cde Ndlovu would be remembered for his affable character and ready smile that endeared him to everyone regardless of their social status.
“He was a very humble person throughout the journey of his life in spite of his impeccable nationalist and liberation war credentials,” he said.
“Cde Ndlovu was a true servant of the people who had dedicated his life to serving both his country and fellow Zimbabweans the best way he knew both in politics and his social life.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, which he once served in a dignified and passionate manner, and on my own behalf, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the Ndlovu family, the party Zanu-PF which he loved and served unfailingly, relatives and friends.
“We join all of them in grieving the loss of one who is our hero together. May his departed soul rest in peace.”
Newly appointed Minister of Policy Coordination and Investment Promotion Cde Simon Khaya Moyo, described Cde Ndlovu as a principled man who never betrayed the struggle for independence.
“He had studied and lectured in the United States of America,” he said.
“He left the comfort clearly at his disposal in the US and joined the struggle in Zambia. He contributed immensely in spreading education frontiers in various liberation war camps. He was indeed a scholar for exemplary character.” he said.
Added Cde Khaya Moyo: “His quest for unity was never to be compromised. He was also an entrepreneur and not corruptrenuer. He has gone with his hands clean. A lesson we must all emulate!”
Online Reporter