adminSCORES of people yesterday turned up for a Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo legacy dinner held at a Bulawayo hotel last night, with speaker after speaker acknowledging the role played by the late Father Zimbabwe in not only unifying the nation but also spreading his legacy of economic empowerment.
The fundraising dinner, which was coincidentally held on Dr Nkomo’s birthday, was held as part of efforts by the Joshua Nkomo Foundation to raise funds for the Dr Joshua Nkomo museum.
Delivering his keynote address, Senior Minister of State, Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo said Dr Nkomo’s life was one that deserved celebration. He noted that not only was he a true a man of the people but he was an iconic giant who always put the people ahead of his personal needs.
“We are all gathered here to celebrate the life of a true man of the people, an iconic giant, who if the good Lord had not summoned for higher responsibilities would be 97 years old today. I personally was privileged to be his special assistant during the days of the liberation struggle and in the post-independence era in various capacities.
“His deeds will always remain a part of this nation for ever, his vision on the land reform and economic empowerment remains revered, today we can talk of all these economic blueprints we have but I will tell you that he already had these in his mind and would always speak his mind when it comes to such policies, this is to show how forward thinking he was, true characteristics of a visionary leader,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.
He said the reforms that the Government was undertaking were all in fulfilment of the late Father Zimbabwe’s wishes.
Cde Khaya Moyo called on Zimbabweans from all walks of life to emulate Dr Nkomo’s works.
Cde Khaya Moyo also took the occasion to donate $2 500 meant for the publication of a booklet chronicling the events of 22 December 2013 when President Mugabe commissioned the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport, the honorary statue and the renaming of Main Street to Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street. The book was edited by National University of Science and Technology director of information and publicity, Mr Felix Moyo.
Speaking on the same occasion, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in the Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Cde Eunice Moyo echoed Cde Khaya Moyo’s sentiments noting that Dr Nkomo had dedicated his entire life to the development of the country.
Also present at the fundraising dinner were Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises and Co-operative Development, Cde Sithembiso Nyoni, Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Cde Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga and Secretary of education in the politburo, Dr Sikhanyiso Ndlovu.
Online Reporter