Massive send-off for John Nkomo

THOUSANDS of Zimbabweans and leaders from the Sadc region thronged the National Heroes Acre yesterday for the burial of Vice President Landa John Nkomo who died last Thursday after a long battle with cancer.

He was 79.

Sadc leaders who attended the burial include South African Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, Zambia's Vice President Guy Scott, Botswana's Vice President Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe, Tanzania's Vice President Dr Mohammed Bilal and Namibia's Prime Minister Hage Geingob.

Earlier in the morning, thousands camped at Stodart Hall in Mbare, Harare, to give the veteran nationalist a befitting send-off.

As early as 7am, people from across the political divide had gathered at the hall and nearby grounds before the hearse arrived to a resounding welcome by youths who were singing revolutionary songs.

The crowd, led by Mbare Chimurenga Choir, sang and danced as dignitaries and service chiefs arrived.

Among the crowd were schoolchildren and the elderly.

President Mugabe led the dignitaries and close relatives in viewing the body before it was taken to the National Heroes Acre for burial.

He was followed by Vice President Joice Mujuru, DPM Mutambara, DPM Khupe and senior Zanu-PF, MDC-T, MDC and Government officials.

As the body left Stodart Hall, the thousands lined the streets of Mbare to catch a glimpse of the hearse carrying the accomplished freedom fighter.

Notable MDC-T officials present at the hall included DPM Khupe, the party's organising secretary Nelson Chamisa and national chairman Lovemore Moyo.

PM Tsvangirai and DPM Mutambara weres also at the venue.

Leaders from the various political parties in the inclusive Government were also part of the large crowd resulting in some officials failing to find seats in the tent provided.

As early as 8am, mourners began converging on the national shrine and by 10am the grand stand was filled to capacity.

Parking space ran out, resulting in some parking their cars in the car park at the adjacent National Sports Stadium.

Choral groups also provided music before the burial while director in the Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture Reverend Paul Damasane also recited a powerful poem in honour of the contribution of VP Nkomo in the fight against colonialism.

Some showers also fell while President Mugabe was delivering his speech while a fly-past by the Air Force of Zimbabwe was also carried out in honour of the late Vice President Nkomo.

Mr Jabulani Nkomo, the family representative and son to the late Vice President expressed gratitude to Zimbabweans.

"The condolences and accolades that have come from across the country and political divide have made us strong," he said.

Jabulani described his father as a person who was dedicated to his work.

"Our father was a dedicated cadre who would not be swayed from what he set out to do. He was a strong fighter even when his health was failing," he said.

He said the dedication of VP Nkomo to the liberation of the country resulted in a lot of suffering for his family as they were constantly harassed by the racist Rhodesian security agencies.

Mr Nkomo, however, said his father was a committed family man despite spending a lot of time away from them because of his political commitments.