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THE widow of the late national hero and former Zapu Director for Welfare, Cde Artwell Nelson Bokwe, has died.
Cde Nokuthula Bokwe (78) passed away in her sleep on January 2, 2026 at Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Confirming the news, her daughter and family spokesperson, Noluthando Fikelephi Bokwe, stated that the family is currently processing the loss of a matriarch who dedicated her life to social work and the welfare of liberation war veterans.
“She passed away peacefully on the 2nd of January 2026 at Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, UK. “She leaves behind two children, Sonwabo and Noluthando, and two grandchildren, Sifiso and Mxolisi. Repatriation and burial arrangements will be advised in due course,” she said.
Born on January 16, 1947, in the Kingdom of Eswatini, Cde Bokwe’s journey into social activism began early.
After completing her primary and secondary education in Eswatini, she moved to Zambia in 1965 to enroll at the University of Zambia. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work in 1967.
It was during her university years that she met her husband, the late Cde Artwell Bokwe in 1966 and they were blessed with their first son, Zwelinzima Daluxolo Bokwe, who passed away on March 9, 2005.
While in exile in Zambia, she worked at Oppenheimer Hospital as a social worker, supporting her husband who was then a key figure in the armed struggle for Zimbabwe’s liberation.
The couple married in 1975, and they were blessed with their second son Sonwabo David Bokwe.
Following Zimbabwe’s independence, Cde Bokwe returned to the country, though the homecoming was marked by tragedy.
Her daughter, Noluthando, was born in February 1981, just a month after the death of Cde Artwell Bokwe on 24 January 1981.
In Zimbabwe, Cde Bokwe became a pillar of the Bulawayo community. She worked as a social worker at Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts before joining the Department of Social Services.
She served as a District Social Welfare Officer at the Fort Street and Tredgold Building offices in Bulawayo and later headed the Gweru office until 2000.
Deeply committed to the plight of those left behind by the liberation struggle, Cde Bokwe founded the Widows Association in Matabeleland.
Working alongside the widows of other fallen giants, including the late Lookout Masuku, Lazarus Nkala and Njini Ntutha, she campaigned for the recognition of heroes’ widows and secured funding for their upkeep and their children’s education.
In 2000, Cde Bokwe moved to the United Kingdom, where she continued her service to humanity as a Senior Social Worker for the Birmingham City Council for 18 years until her retirement in 2018.
Her grandson, Stanley Dube, described Cde Bokwe as his “pillar” of strength.
“She was not only a grandmother but a mother to me. I will always miss and love her; may her soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.
Mourners are gathered at the family residence, Number 35 Balfour Road, Bellevue, in Bulawayo.
Details regarding the repatriation of her remains from the United Kingdom are expected to be announced later this week.
