'Joshua Nkomo a naturalized Kalanga'

Renowed historian Phathisa Nyathi yesterday confirmed that the late Vice-President Joshua Nkomo became Kalanga by naturalisation and settlement in Zimbabwe although his family was originally of Sotho descent from South Africa.

The disclosures came after the State media launched vicious attacks accusing the daily publication of falsely claiming that Nkomo was Kalanga.

Nyathi added that some Nkomo families in the region were originally Kalanga.

The Kalanga issue has caused a tribal storm since last week when President Robert Mugabe labelled Kalangas in Matabeleland South Province as "uneducated" and criminals who illegally crossed into South Africa where they committed various crimes.

Mugabe's remarks jolted some opposition parties and civil society groups from the region to demand a public apology from the Zanu-PF leader and exhumation of all Kalanga national heroes buried at the Heroes' Acre in Harare, among them Nkomo, Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo and George Silunduka.

They also challenged serving Cabinet ministers of Kalanga descent such as Zanu-PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo to resign in protest against the jibe.

"Yes, there are some Nkomos who are Kalanga, but about Joshua they are Sothos," Nyathi said.