adminSenator Khaya Moyo, who is also the Zanu-PF national chairman, said death snatched away one of the country’s liberation icons. The late VP died last month and was declared a national hero and buried at the National Heroes Acre.
“The Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the second secretary of Zanu-PF Cde Landa John Nkomo breathed his last at 12 noon on 17 January while at St Anne’s Hospital in Harare, following a battle with cancer,” said Sen Khaya Moyo.
“When the devastating news of his demise was officially announced by His Excellency President Mugabe, the entire nation went numb in bewilderment, shock and exasperation. The people of Zimbabwe retreated into mourning for the stabiliser, the inspirator, the unifier, the peacemaker and a visionary was no more,” said Sen Khaya Moyo.
“Messages of condolence started pouring in from all corners of the world while hundreds gathered to mourn with the bereaved family at his Milton Park residence in Harare. Hundreds of people also gathered at his rural home in Tsholotsho and at his state of the art Landa John High School to bid him farewell. “Hundreds more were gathered at his Worringham residence in Bulawayo and at the Large City Hall to bid farewell to the fallen national hero,” he said.
Sen Khaya Moyo said scenes at the Stodart Hall and the National Heroes Acre testified that the multitudes of people turned up to bid farewell to a great revolutionary of impeccable liberation credentials.
“Addressing thousands of mourners at the national shrine in respect of the late VP Nkomo, President Mugabe underscored the need for peace and went on to state that the nation derived solace from observing that Cde Nkomo died on the day the parties to the GPA resolved outstanding issues. The biography of the late gallant revolutionary fighter from 1934 to 2013 has been well authored and indeed his role, as chairman of the Organ for Peace, Reconciliation and National Healing in the inclusive Government. I worked with this dedicated patriot for many years pre and post independence, in exile and back home. The experience we gained under the stewardship of Zimbabwe’s two greatest sons President Mugabe and the late Vice President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo was immeasurable,” said Sen Khaya Moyo.
He said he strongly believed that men of his calibre never die but depart for a higher responsibility.
Bulilima-Mangwe Senator Addington Tapela (MDC) stressed that the late VP Nkomo was a very humble figure who did not throw his weight about.
Online Reporter