Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza
EVEN on his death bed, the legendary Father Zimbabwe, the late Vice President Dr Joshua Nkomo, was still preaching the gospel of unity.
His eldest daughter, Thandiwe Nkomo Ibrahim, revealed the emotional moment her father made a powerful plea to his wife: “Make sure the people of Zimbabwe stay united.”
Speaking during the 26th anniversary commemorations held at the Joshua Nkomo Museum on Tuesday, Thandiwe said her father remained focused on one thing — unity for a better Zimbabwe.
“He called mother close, held her hand and said, ‘Mafunaya, make sure that the people of Zimbabwe stay united, for unity is the only thing that can make Zimbabwe a prosperous nation’,” she revealed.
Before taking up arms in the liberation struggle, Dr Nkomo had already started his mission to unite the people while working for the Rhodesian Railways.
“He travelled the country preaching unity because he knew that a divided people could never win against colonial oppression,” said Thandiwe.
She added that the legacy of Father Zimbabwe lives on through the statue, airport and roads named in his honour — all results of tireless behind-the-scenes collaboration between the Nkomo family and government.
Dr Nkomo died on 1 July 1999. But even in his final breath, he reminded the nation of one timeless truth — unity is power.
