Calls to declare 1 July a Joshua Nkomo holiday

THE son of the late Vice-President Dr Joshua Nkomo, Mr Sibangilizwe Nkomo, yesterday joined many Zimbabweans who are calling on the Government to seriously consider declaring 1 July a public holiday in honour of the role played by the late nationalist in liberating the country.

In an interview on the sidelines of the commemorations to mark the 13th anniversary of Dr Nkomo's death at Stanley Square in Bulawayo, Mr Nkomo said the contributions that Dr Nkomo made for the country before and after independence were public knowledge.

The event was organised by Matojeni Cultural Society.

"All Zimbabweans know the critical role that Dr Nkomo played to liberate this country. The Government should therefore seriously consider making this day a public holiday. People have over the years said they want this day declared a public holiday in honour of Dr Nkomo," said Mr Nkomo

The nationalist leader's only surviving son said his father was a leader who had people at heart hence he sacrificed his life to liberate them.

"I understand that the construction of Dr Nkomo's statue and other projects named after him such as Joshua Mqabuko Airport might take long due to financial challenges but for 1 July to be declared a national holiday, the Government should not give an excuse.

"Declaring 1 July a national holiday is something that can be discussed and concluded in Parliament. Why is it so difficult?" he said.

Mr Nkomo said commemorations of Dr Nkomo's death were apolitical.

"We are here to remember and celebrate the life of Father Zimbabwe, Dr Nkomo. The same nationalist who worked hard to see the people of Zimbabwe uniting and working together.

"It is unfortunate that some people still do not understand that we are one, which makes them want to politicise the day by wearing political regalia at such an event," he said.

Former advisor to Dr Nkomo, Mr Abraham Nkiwane, described Dr Nkomo as a strong and steadfast leader, whose sacrifices should always be remembered.

"Dr Nkomo was one of the fearless sons of the soil whose contributions to the country is well known. His legacy remains the pride of the country and the people of Zimbabwe," said Mr Nkiwane.

Zanu Politburo member Dr Sikhanyiso Ndlovu, war veterans leader, Jabulani Siband and the Bulawayo United residents association Mr Winos Dube have also called on the Govrnment to declare July 1 a public holiday.The occasion was attended by Zapu leader Dumiso Dabengwa, members of Dr Nkomo's family, members of different political parties and Bulawayo residents.

A number of dance groups from Bulawayo entertained the crowd.

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