Vusumuzi DubeGibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub
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 peacefully in her sleep on January 2, 2026, at Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Confirming the sad news, her daughter and family spokesperson, Noluthando Fikelephi Bokwe, said the family was still coming to terms with the loss of a matriarch who had 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 at an early age. After completing her primary and secondary education in Eswatini, she moved to Zambia in 1965 to enrol at the University of Zambia, where 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.
The couple were blessed with their first son, Zwelinzima Daluxolo Bokwe, who passed away on March 9, 2005. While in exile in Zambia, Cde Bokwe worked as a social worker at Oppenheimer Hospital, supporting her husband who was then a key figure in the armed struggle for Zimbabwe’s liberation.
The couple married in 1975 and were later blessed with their second son, Sonwabo David Bokwe.
Following Zimbabwe’s independence, Cde Bokwe returned home, although the homecoming was marked by deep personal tragedy. Her daughter, Noluthando, was born in February 1981, just a month after the death of Cde Artwell Bokwe on January 24, 1981.
In Zimbabwe, Cde Bokwe became a pillar of the Bulawayo community, working initially 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, before later heading the Gweru office until her retirement from public service in 2000.
Deeply committed to the plight of those left in the shadows of the liberation struggle, Cde Bokwe founded the Widows Association in Matabeleland.
Working alongside widows of other fallen liberation stalwarts, including the late Lookout Masuku, Lazarus Nkala and Njini Ntutha, she tirelessly campaigned for the recognition of heroes’ widows and successfully mobilised funding for their upkeep and for the education of their children.
In 2000, Cde Bokwe relocated to the United Kingdom, where she continued her service to humanity as a Senior Social Worker with Birmingham City Council for 18 years, retiring 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.
Online Reporter