Mixed feelings over Nkomo Statue

Bulawayo residents have expressed mixed reactions to the newly unveiled statue of the late former vice president Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo.

While there is generally an appreciation by the residents on the recognition given to the late Father Zimbabwe most feel the recognition was delayed and long over due.

Nkomo died in 1999 and it has taken government 14 years to fully honour the late PF ZAPU leader.

In his speech at the unveiling of the statue President Robert Mugabe blame the targeted sanctions imposed on some ZANU PF elite nd Companies for the delays in honouring Father Zimbabwe.

Residents also feel that the location of the statue was not the best place possible.

The statue is at the busy intersection of Main Street (Now Joshua Nkomo Street) and 8th Avenue.

Residents feel that the statue is extremely inaccessible as it is right in the middle of traffic.

The feeling is that the statue is there just to see in passing as no one will have a chance to stand next to it and identify with the statue like having a photograph at the statue.

Some say that the statue is way too high and does not allow for the closeness that Nkomo was to the people.

The general feeling is that perhaps the statue could have been placed at an accessible place like the City Hall Gardens away from traffic disruptions.

As it is now people can only take a picture of the statue but not a picture of themselves with the statue.