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Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo
THIS week on 1 July 2015 we mark the 16th anniversary of the death of Father Zimbabwe — Umdala Wethu, Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo.
He pioneered the liberation struggle for the total freedom of the African people, having led various liberation movements until final victory. He was indeed a leader of immense charisma, a visionary, a colossus, a fountain of wisdom, a beacon of development and a man of the people.
He always led from the front. He hated tribalism, regionalism and racism. He only knew humanity.
I was privileged to have been his Special Assistant during the days of the liberation struggle and indeed post-independence, in various capacities. I consider myself most fortunate to have been closely associated with Zimbabwe’s two iconic giants that is President RG Mugabe and the late Umdala Wethu. With President Mugabe the moment continues.
Dr Joshua Nkomo was a man of multi-national gifts. He was among others a politician of impeccable credentials, a farmer, trade unionist, businessman, prisoner, diplomat, husband, father, grandfather, Commander-in-Chief of the then Zipra, Cabinet Minister and Vice-President of the Republic of Zimbabwe. His work was his life and his life was his work. He was indeed Father Zimbabwe.
Dr Nkomo was not a man of fixed appointments. He was flexible in his operational diary, at home or at his offices. His doors were always open and security personnel were under strict orders never to turn back, without valid reason anyone who wanted to see him. People came from all over the country and beyond to consult him on numerous issues.
He came, he performed and he departed. His deeds live forever and his life an everlasting reference to those who subscribe to the total freedom and unity of our nation. He was ever to remain a legend in our minds.
Indeed people like Father Zimbabwe can never die. He only departed for higher responsibility. Let us not betray him. He is watching us.
Glory be to God.
Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo was Special Assistant to Dr Nkomo for a long time. He is a Zanu-PF Politburo Member and Party Spokesman. He is also Minister of Economic Planning and Investment Promotion.
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