Umdala Wethu statue a hit

Oliver Kazunga Chronicle Reporter
SCORES of people yesterday thronged the intersection of 8th Avenue and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street in Bulawayo to admire the statue of the late Vice President Dr Joshua Nkomo, which President Mugabe unveiled on Sunday.Uncharacteristic of the usually quiet holidays and weekends, the city centre was yesterday a hive of activity as residents jostled to catch a glimpse of the magnificent monument of the nationalist icon.

As early as 7am, a sizeable crowd had gathered around the statue which is mounted on a neatly decorated pedestal with inscriptions of Dr Nkomo’s names.

The numbers increased as the day progressed. Motorists were forced to slow down as the excited crowd seemed oblivious of the danger of being run over by passing vehicles as they pushed their way to the statue site.

President Mugabe officially unveiled Father Zimbabwe’s statue and renamed Main Street after the late national hero at a ceremony that was attended by thousands of people who flooded Bulawayo city centre to witness the occasion.

The news crew was monitoring the situation at the statue site from morning till late afternoon and observed a continuous traffic jam as members of the public took turns to examine the attributes of the late Vice President.

Some were seen running to and from taking photographs of the statue from different angles while others stood amazed from a distance.
Professional photographers made brisk business by taking photographs of the statue and selling them for $2 each.

Motorists also took advantage of the slow movement of traffic at the site to have a view of the tourist attraction. Those interviewed said the monument was a marvel to watch and paid tribute to government for honouring the late Dr Nkomo.

“The statue clearly depicts the physical stature of Dr Nkomo and this is one of the greatest achievements that government has done in honouring the late Father Zimbabwe,”Ngqabutho Sibanda from Nkulumane said.

“Yesterday, I was here during the unveiling of the statue but because of congestion, I did not have a chance to come closer to the statue.”
Said another resident: “As you can see, people are crowding to have a view of the statue. It would be advisable for Bulawayo City Council to close the street for at least three days so that motorists do not drive through the site to avoid accidents.”

Wellington Sibanda, one of the professional photographers in the city said he saw a business opportunity following the unveiling of the statue.

“The statue has opened a business opportunity for me.  I am a professional photographer, thus I am here to shoot photographs of the statue for sale to people who are coming to see it here. I will spend the better part of my day here taking photos of the statue for sale at $2 each,” he said.

Some could be heard saying the unveiling of the statue was long overdue while others said Dr Nkomo left a legacy that Zimbabweans will forever cherish.

“We also request the powers that be to set aside a public holiday where as Zimbabweans we celebrate the life and works of ‘Umdala Wethu’,”said another resident.

Lovemore Julayi said: “We are in town to make business. Anyone who needs the photographs of the statue will have to pay me $2 for a photo.”

Cynthia Marondera of Cowdray Park said she woke up early in the morning and came to town just to have a glimpse of the statue.
“During the unveiling of the statue yesterday, I decided to remain at home knowing it wouldn’t be possible for some of us to view the statue because of commotion. Today, although people are there at least one is able to lend an eye at the statue,” she said.

Marondera said on Christmas Day, she would bring her sister’s children to view Dr Nkomo’s statue.
“We really appreciate the honour that Government has bestowed on Father Zimbabwe. Not only that the statue will serve as a tourist attraction in the city but also for educational purposes. Schools from different parts of the country can also organise trips taking students to this site,” she added.

Sithabisiwe Ngwenya, a resident of Nketa said: “I am here this morning to have a glimpse of the statue. I was not here yesterday at the official unveiling. I saw the statue last night on television during news hour and I thought of coming here this morning to see it myself.”

The decorated pedestal blends with the surrounding buildings and has inscriptions of Dr Nkomo’s names, Father Zimbabwe in the north, Umdala Wethu in the west, Ramatsatsi in the south and Chibwechitedza in the east.

Dr Nkomo played a crucial role during the liberation struggle and in forging the December 22 Unity Accord. He died on July 1, 1999 and was accorded national hero status.