‘The country will never die, young people will save it’

Most of the youths who performed at White City Stadium yesterday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the iconic Father Zimbabwe, the late Vice President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo’s death were not born when he died in 1999.

However, his famous quote “The country will never die, the young people will save it,” was very relevant and powerful yesterday as White City Stadium reverberated to life.

Dr Nkomo’s legacy continues to inspire new generations as evidenced by a huge crowd, mostly youths, who thronged the stadium to commemorate 25 years since his death.

The gathering was a testament to the enduring impact of his words and vision for Zimbabwe’s future, highlighting the role of youths in shaping and preserving the nation’s legacy.

Hundreds of schoolchildren took to the dance floor as they commemorated the legacy of Dr Nkomo. They spoke of his love for peace, unity and nationhood.

The late Vice President was also known as Umdala wethu, uMafukufuku, Chibwechitedza (the slippery rock). He earned the title “Father Zimbabwe” through his whole-heartedness and sacrifices towards building the nation of Zimbabwe.

Dr Nkomo died on July 1, 1999, at the age of 82, at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare. He was buried at the National Heroes Acre in the capital.

This year’s commemorations were held under the theme “Learning from the past to correct the present and determine the future.”

White City Stadium was a hive of activity as early as 10am as people gathered to mark 25 years of the death of the unifying icon.

Dance groups gyrated to percussive beats to make the day as memorable as Father Zimbabwe. There was a Joshua Nkomo Legacy Walk from D-Square in Bulawayo to the venue.

Traditional dances such as Amabhiza, Isitshikitsha and Ingquzu were the order of the day led by children from primary schools from around the city.

For the adults who were watching, it was a great feeling to see the young dancing flawlessly to the beat of various traditional tunes while some beat the drums.

The cosmopolitan nature of the various traditional dances embodied Vice President Nkomo, who identified with all regardless of ethnicity, race or gender. He referred to all Zimbabweans as Abantwana Benhlabathi/Vana Vevhu, (Children of the Soil).

Interwoven into the commemorations was the message of fighting drug and substance abuse, which many of the pupils expressed eloquently.

Ten-year-old Siphesihle Ndebele from Coghlan Primary School said as children they must not disgrace the legacy of Dr Nkomo by engaging in drug and substance abuse.

“With this year’s commemorations, I have been taught to stay away from drugs and teach others to do the same for our future.

We should not disgrace Dr Nkomo by taking drugs,” said Siphesihle.

“I have learnt a lot about Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo as he has done a lot for us and Zimbabwe. He helped Zimbabwe and he was very kind to everyone and he loved everyone.”

Mellisa Ncube from the group Mthwakazi kaNdaba, said as a 19-year-old youth she learnt a lot at school about the love and dedication that the late Vice President Nkomo had for his country and the people.

“Dr Nkomo taught us to be proud and respect the nation and how he fought for the country to be free. He also preached peace and unity to us as a nation and that we should not kill each other. We should respect each other while at the same time helping each other in unity as a nation,” said Mellisa.

Simbarashe Bhinya from the same group said his grandfather taught him about the late Vice President and how he wanted the people of Zimbabwe emancipated.

“Dr Nkomo said, according to my grandfather, ‘Phendulela ibala elithi mali, uyelima, uthole umnotho.’ We thank the Joshua Mqabuko Foundation for such an opportunity to us the young as this keeps us out of trouble from drugs and substance abuse,” said Bhinya.

He said school children should be taught more about Father Zimbabwe’s legacy.

“As for myself, I am an artist and I am dancing and being occupied, not standing at corners like other people, but I am expressing my art. That is what I appreciate about the late Vice President Dr Nkomo,” said Bhinya.