adminHarare Bureau
PRESIDENT Mugabe has sent a message of condolence to the Ncube family following the death of Cde Edson Ncube, the party’s deputy secretary for administration and a veteran nationalist.
Cde Ncube died at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo after succumbing to anaemia on Sunday.
In his condolence message President Mugabe said Cde Ncube belonged to that exceptional breed of pioneer politicians who rallied Africans to fight against the British colonial settler system.
“It was only recently that I shared lighthearted moments with him, but little did I realise that it was going to be our last such encounter with one whom I have known way back during the nascent days of the nationalist politics and one who would become a very active member of the nationalist movement.
“When it appeared obvious that the enemy was not responsive to our political demands, Cde Ncube was one of those who were instrumental in mounting the struggle for national independence through his active involvement in the recruitment of our youths to join the armed struggle in Zambia under the banner of Zimbabwe People’s Liberation Army (Zipra),” said President Mugabe.
This, he said, earned him actions of persistent recrimination by colonial administrators who incarcerated him intermittently in its various detention camps until the ceasefire period in late 1979. President Mugabe said in post independent Zimbabwe, Cde
Ncube was elected Zapu provincial chairman for Matabeleland and later played a crucial role in the process of implementing the unity accord between Zapu-PF and Zanu-PF as co-chairperson of the Matabeleland North Integrated Task Force.
“Zanu-PF has thus lost a strong cadre and hero of the independence struggle who served his party and country with exceptional loyalty and distinction in various stations of life.
“He leaves behind an uncontestable legacy of dedication and everlasting commitment to the liberation of this country as well as to the defence of its independence and sovereignty,” said President Mugabe.
The President said Cde Ncube’s death created a deep chasm, which will be difficult to fill in both Zanu-PF and the country as a whole.
“On behalf of the party (Zanu-PF), Government, and on my own behalf, I wish to express my deepest condolences to the Ncube family, especially to his children who have lost a dear and loving father and mentor. May they take comfort from the knowledge that the nation rallies behind them during their deep grief and sadness, may his soul rest in peace,” he said.
Online Reporter