daniel chigunwe
Richard Muponde
Zimpapers Politics Hub
Today, the nation remembers the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo, who died on July 1, 1999.
Born on June 7, 1917, the veteran African nationalist, Dr Nkomo, died at the age of 82 and was buried at the National Heroes Acre in Harare.
He is remembered for his vision on different aspects of the people of Zimbabwe.
Youth
Cde Nkomo, was a staunch advocate for the empowerment and development of the youth.
He believed that the future of Zimbabwe lay in the hands of its young people and worked tirelessly to ensure that they had access to education, opportunities and resources.
Dr Nkomo often emphasised the importance of nurturing young talent and providing them with the tools they needed to become leaders in their communities and the nation at large.
He is famed for this quotation.
“The country will never die; the young people will save it.”
Unity and Peace
Cde Nkomo was a unifying figure in Zimbabwean politics, known for his efforts to bridge divides and foster a sense of unity among the country’s diverse population.
The late Vice President spoke passionately about the need for reconciliation and understanding, advocating for a Zimbabwe where people from all walks of life could come together in harmony.
The gallant son’s vision for unity and peace was not only aspirational, but also practical, as he actively engaged in dialogue and diplomacy to achieve these goals.
Dr Nkomo, the then leader of PF Zapu, and the late former President Robert Mugabe, representing Zanu (PF), signed the Unity Accord on December 22, 1987, to unite the nation; establish peace, law and order and to guarantee social and economic development and political stability. It was one of the major political milestones in Zimbabwe’s history since independence in 1980.
Unity, unity and more unity, September 29, 1980
“The rulers will go, the parties will go and so will men, present and to come, but the independent Zimbabwe will never go . . . our children will inherit this country and it is our duty to build it in unity and have our children thankful to us for building the country instead of destroying it.
Agriculture
As an ardent supporter of agricultural development, Cde Nkomo recognised the vital role that farming played in Zimbabwe’s economy and food security.
He was a proponent of sustainable agricultural practices and sought to empower farmers with the knowledge and resources they needed to thrive.
Dr Nkomo’s vision for agriculture centred on modernisation, innovation and equitable distribution of resources, aiming to ensure that Zimbabwe could harness its agricultural potential for the benefit of all its citizens.
On April 12, 1980, he urged youths to engage in agriculture and desist from always looking for jobs.
“I want thousands of youths to join in tilling the land so that we can turn this country into a garden. Those who are looking for jobs in factories in town are looking in the wrong places.”
Industry
Cde Nkomo was a strong advocate for industrialisation and economic development in Zimbabwe. He recognised the importance of a robust industrial sector in creating jobs, driving economic growth, and reducing dependency on imports.
His vision for industry focused on fostering a conducive environment for investment, promoting local entrepreneurship and developing sustainable industrial infrastructure to propel Zimbabwe towards prosperity.
Social development
Cde Nkomo was deeply committed to addressing social issues and improving the quality of life for all Zimbabweans.
He championed initiatives aimed at healthcare, education, housing, and social welfare, recognising that a nation’s progress was measured not only by its economic growth but also by the well-being of its people.
Cde Nkomo’s vision for social development encompassed empowering marginalised communities, eradicating poverty, and creating a more equitable society where every citizen could thrive.
Quoted in 1975
“UDI has been a disaster and the country is in this mess because of the political situation. Unless it is straightened out, we are driving to disaster. Give Africans responsibility and they will do the job. ‘African housing’ and ‘African Townships’ must be abolished. Housing estates should be known as merely high density, low density or high budget areas. Workers can be anybody. To talk of African workers is nonsense.
“We have outlived the division of people into races. That is old colonial thinking. We should be thinking these days of low density or high density building, not of the type of person who is going to live in them.”
Cde Nkomo’s legacy as a visionary leader and advocate for youth, unity, peace, agriculture, industry and social development continues to inspire the people of Zimbabwe.
His unwavering commitment to these ideals has left an indelible mark on the nation, serving as a beacon of hope and progress for generations to come.
Online Reporter