Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu, [email protected]
THE Second Republic will continue to uphold and promote the principles of peace, national unity and hard work championed by the late national hero and former Vice President, Dr Joshua Nkomo, while safeguarding the stability that underpins the country’s socio-economic development, President Mnangagwa has said.
In his message commemorating the 27th anniversary of Dr Nkomo’s death, President Mnangagwa said the values of selflessness, unity and hard work espoused by the late liberation icon remained a firm foundation for the nation and should be preserved and passed on to future generations.
Dr Nkomo, affectionately known as Father Zimbabwe, passed away on July 1, 1999, at the age of 82.
He was buried at the National Heroes Acre.
The President described the late national hero as a “Pan-African freedom fighter” who served his people and nation.
“Today, the first of July 2026, our great nation, which includes its Diaspora community, joins the Nkomo family in remembering the 27th Anniversary of the late national hero and Vice President of our Republic, Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo, who passed on 1st July, 1999,” President Mnangagwa added.
“The late Vice President, affectionately known as ‘Chibwe Chitedza’, ‘Umdala Wethu’ or ‘Father Zimbabwe’, dedicated his entire adult life to the struggle and service of his countrymen and women. “Initially a trade unionist, the late Dr Nkomo joined active politics with the sole aim to liberate his motherland from the shackles of colonial bondage.
“The revered nationalist and Pan-African freedom fighter demonstrated selflessness and always preached love, unity, peace, hard work and honesty in the service of his people and nation.”
The President said the nation remembered Dr Nkomo as a co-author of the Unity Accord which ushered in the peace, unity and stability enjoyed in the country to this day.
As the Second Republic implements the last phase of the National Development Strategy (2026-2030), the President said, the nation must take inspiration from the late national hero, who was a “gentle giant” and nation builder.
“Our nation fondly remembers him as a co-architect of the historic unity accord which was signed on 22 nd December, 1987, ushering in an era of durable peace and national unity which endures to this day,” President Mnangagwa added. “The Second Republic commits itself to upholding and furthering this priceless bequest which must pass from generation to generation without any glitch or interruption. It remains the bedrock of our stability and cohesion as a people, indeed the pith of our Hunhu/ Ubuntu. “As the second republic drives the last phase of our National Developmental Strategy (2026-2030), memories of this doyen of African liberation, this gentle giant and passionate nation- builder, shall forever be etched in our hearts and chronicles of our nation.
“May the soul of the late Umdala Wethu, Dr Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo, rest in eternal peace.”
This year’s commemorations follow the recent Independence Day celebrations held in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province, the ancestral home of Dr Nkomo. The Independence Day celebrations also resulted in the implementation of various infrastructure development projects in the area, contributing to improved service delivery and socio-economic development.
