News / Local
'Sikhanyiso Ndlovu a humble leader'
17 Sep 2015 at 06:53hrs | Views
Political Commentator Methuseli Moyo has described the late Zanu PF Poliburo member Siokhanyiso Ndlovu who died on Tuesday morning as the a humble leader whose death has pained him.
"Ever since the death of Dr Joshua Nkomo on July 1, 1999, I have never been so touched by the death of a politician. Dr Sikhanyiso Duke Ndlovu was an amazing politician," said Moyo.
"Ever kind, ever polite, ever humble, ever jovial, ever caring, ever loving. His name is long and not so common, and his surname perhaps one of the commonest in Zimbabwe, but everyone chose to call him by his first name, always. That was because he never sought to create distance and alienation between himself and anyone."
He said to him, everybody was important. His work with the Mpopoma Development Trust, Zdeco, and the open university system is a hallmark.
"I am aware of several people in government, in the army, in journalism and other professions who owe their breakthrough to The Duke of Zimbabwe. Even before he became a prominent figure in the united Zanu-PF politics, Dr Ndlovu would always respond positively when people knocked on his ZIDECO doors," Moyo said.
"Despite his niceness, The Duke was one person who never compromised on some issues, especially on politics and tribe. During our days as reporters at The Chronicle, we were forced now-and-again to "censor" some of his comments, particularly on the emotive issues of the underdevelopment of Matabeleland, and the unity accord."
He said one day Dr Ndlovu caused anxiety when he said ex-PF-Zapu members, and Ndebeles in general were being treated like "underdogs" in the unity accord and said this should not be accepted.
"At Zanu-PF meetings, he would shout "phambili le Zapu" when someone stood up and said "phambili le Zanu". He always reminded the party that the united party was Zanu-PF, and not Zanu. Otherwsie he would say "phambili" with his Zapu," said Moyo.
"That was the Duke of Zimbabwe for you. Kind. Respectful. Polite. Brave. Generous. To his credit, Dr Ndlovu took the initiative to tell his and part of PF-Zapu's history in several installments to the media. Otherwise his story, like that of most nationalists from the Zapu side, would be half told, if ever told at all. May his dear soul rest in peace."
"Ever since the death of Dr Joshua Nkomo on July 1, 1999, I have never been so touched by the death of a politician. Dr Sikhanyiso Duke Ndlovu was an amazing politician," said Moyo.
"Ever kind, ever polite, ever humble, ever jovial, ever caring, ever loving. His name is long and not so common, and his surname perhaps one of the commonest in Zimbabwe, but everyone chose to call him by his first name, always. That was because he never sought to create distance and alienation between himself and anyone."
He said to him, everybody was important. His work with the Mpopoma Development Trust, Zdeco, and the open university system is a hallmark.
"I am aware of several people in government, in the army, in journalism and other professions who owe their breakthrough to The Duke of Zimbabwe. Even before he became a prominent figure in the united Zanu-PF politics, Dr Ndlovu would always respond positively when people knocked on his ZIDECO doors," Moyo said.
He said one day Dr Ndlovu caused anxiety when he said ex-PF-Zapu members, and Ndebeles in general were being treated like "underdogs" in the unity accord and said this should not be accepted.
"At Zanu-PF meetings, he would shout "phambili le Zapu" when someone stood up and said "phambili le Zanu". He always reminded the party that the united party was Zanu-PF, and not Zanu. Otherwsie he would say "phambili" with his Zapu," said Moyo.
"That was the Duke of Zimbabwe for you. Kind. Respectful. Polite. Brave. Generous. To his credit, Dr Ndlovu took the initiative to tell his and part of PF-Zapu's history in several installments to the media. Otherwise his story, like that of most nationalists from the Zapu side, would be half told, if ever told at all. May his dear soul rest in peace."
Source - Byo24News
