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Prosper Ndlovu Acting News Editor
FORMER Zipra cadres yesterday said the official unveiling of the late Vice President Dr Joshua Nkomo’s statue in Bulawayo tomorrow demonstrates recognition of his illustrious contribution to the liberation struggle and the importance of the legacy he bequeathed to all Zimbabweans.
President Mugabe will unveil Dr Nkomo’s statue and preside over the renaming of Main Street after the late nationalist icon and official opening of the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport.
The three events coincide with the annual December 22 Unity Day celebrations in remembrance of the 1987 Unity Accord signed between PF-Zapu and Zanu led by Dr Nkomo and President Mugabe.
In separate interviews, surviving former Zipra cadres said Dr Nkomo’s legacy deserved to be cherished by all and that the unveiling of his statue would immortalise his history.
“These projects were long overdue. The great work done by Dr Nkomo for this country should be cherished by all,” said Cde Jane Lungile Ngwenya, one of the few surviving cadres who worked closely with Dr Nkomo.
She added: “Now the Zimbabwean history and Nkomo’s legacy will not die. Future generations will know about him and why he was given such an honour.
“Dr Nkomo was a father, a brother, a leader, a freedom fighter, a peacemaker and we are happy for the honour given him. We thank government for such a gesture.”
Zapu leader and former Zipra intelligence supremo Dr Dumiso Dabengwa said the completion of projects in honour of Dr Nkomo was a development Zimbabweans had long waited for.
“It (the statue) is a good idea. That is an old project we mooted soon after Mdala’s death. We have been to the airport and saw the great work done there. We will be there to witness the event,” he said.
Dr Dabengwa, however, decried the fact that he was left out of the activities leading to tomorrow’s event.
He said: “We wish to be part of the programme but we only read things in papers and have not been invited. However, we will be there as spectators.”
Umguza MP and Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development Dr Obert Mpofu said tomorrow’s event would be a delight to all Zimbabweans.
“Preparations for Sunday’s event are at an advanced stage and we expect thousands of people from all provinces to witness the event, especially from Matabeleland, Midlands and Masvingo who are closer. President Mugabe will grace the occasion in honour of the late Dr Nkomo who never discriminated against anyone, a man who fought hard for the liberation of this country,” said Dr Mpofu.
Dr Mpofu said the erection of the statue in Bulawayo did not mean Nkomo was reduced to a regional leader as suggested by some quarters.
Rather, he said, there was consensus from across the national leadership including traditional leadership that Bulawayo was a befitting place for the project.
He said: “The whole country is happy and we are excited about the programme to honour the late father Zimbabwe.”
Insiza North MP and Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Cde Andrew Langa, who also chairs Zanu-PF Matabeleland South province, hailed government for honouring Dr Nkomo.
“All roads lead to Bulawayo on Sunday to witness the unveiling of the statue of the late Father Zimbabwe where President Mugabe will honour his brother. This is a big moment for Zimbabwe and all those who went to the struggle,” he said.
“This is an indication that Father Zimbabwe played a very big role in our country. I am happy; especially that Dr Nkomo came from my province in Matobo district.”
Zanu-PF National Chairman Cde Simon Khaya Moyo has said tomorrow’s event demonstrates that the 1987 Unity Accord was irreversible.
Yesterday, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in Bulawayo Cde Eunice Moyo described tomorrow’s event as a Christmas present for Bulawayo.
She said Nkomo’s honour was an honour for the entire Matabeleland region and the country at large. The Nkomo family, cultural groups and the civic society have all okayed the projects and are keenly waiting for the big day.
Online Reporter