Dr Joshua Nkomo remembered

Dr Joshua Nkomo's commemorations progressed well with business almost coming to a standstill in the city centre as hundreds of people joined the march to commemorate the life of the late Father Zimbabwe.

The large procession, led by drum majorettes and several entertainment groups, began at Christ the King Roman Catholic church at Famona and ended at Stanley Square.

Scores of people could be seen peeping through windows from their offices while others stood on the doors to catch a glimpse of the large crowd.



Among them were those who were putting on traditional regalia and animal head dress similar to the one that Dr Nkomo used to wear.

Others were carrying placards with inscriptions that praised the late Vice-President such as Umdala Wethu, Father Zimbabwe, Nyongolo baba.

Thrilled by the captivating musical presentations and dance, others joined the procession up to Stanley Square. Some of the people who joined in the commemorations were Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube, Chief Sigola, the late Vice President Landa John Nkomo's son, Jabulani, Zanu-PF Central Committee member Molly Mpofu and historian Mr Pathisa Nyathi.

Different speakers described the late Father Zimbabwe as a celebrated icon who dedicated his life to service the people.

Dr Nkomo's son Sibangilizwe said his father loved people who played a pivotal role in uniting different tribes.

"He was the father of all Zimbabweans including whites and coloureds. He never discriminated anyone on the basis of language, race or tribe. Zimbabweans should always unite and avoid the divide and rule mentality. Dr Nkomo taught us that despite our different languages we are one nation," said Mr Nkomo.

"For a long time we have been pursuing foreign ideology and now is the time to go back to our founding cultural values."

Mr Nkomo said he was not out to influence any political thinking and said his passion was to encourage Zimbabweans to uphold their cultural values.

"There are some who say I am secretly campaigning for Zapu, which is not true. I come to you on a cultural basis and nothing else. My father was a cultural person who consulted ancestors at Njelele. What I am telling you is a message from Njelele," he said.

Mr Nkomo also urged Zimbabweans to vote peacefully in the forthcoming elections.

Matojeni Cultural Society's representation Mr Madabuka Moyo said Dr Nkomo's strength as a leader was drawn from the fact that he upheld cultural values and never discriminated against anyone.

Mr Future Msebele who represented the youth said Dr Nkomo was a fearless man who championed the liberation struggle and urged all the youths to emulate him.

Mrs Grace Noko, a war veteran who represented women said Dr Nkomo was a brave military strategist and commander who never underestimated the role of women in the war of liberation.

She urged Zimbabweans to unite and complained that a lot of problems have arisen after the death of Dr Nkomo.

"We have a lot of problems that started after the death of Dr Nkomo. We have to tell each other the truth and not hide anything. Our history books should tell the truth about happenings in this country," she said.

"When Dr Nkomo was alive he would speak out when some wrongs were done but now sisele egcekeni. There is a lot of discrimination today and some people are getting jobs while others are not."

Mr Jabulani Hadebe from the Joshua Nkomo National Foundation said it was the duty of every Zimbabwean to preserve Dr Nkomo's legacy.

Several entertainment groups that include Matojeni Choir, Ibutho Lesizwe, Phelandaba Choir, Isizwe Sabatsha,   Inqama   Yophondo,   Ezimnyama,   Khaya Arts,   Siyanqoba   Victors,   Sizinda   Nyawu   Dancers, Iluba Lemvelo, Thandanani Women's Ensemble and Invimbi Arts kept the gathering alive with their performances.

The commemorations for Dr Nkomo would continue up to Saturday with Zanu-PF having lined up its own events.

Zanu-PF Central Committee Member Godfrey Malaba yesterday said the party would hold an inter-district meeting today at Davies Hall in Bulawayo at 2pm to honour Dr Nkomo.

He said on Wednesday there would be a public lecture by the party's provincial chairman Professor Callistus Ndlovu at the Small City Hall.

On Thursday public lectures would also be held at Pelandaba, Pumula, Nkulumane and Luveve's Beit Halls. Veteran journalist Saul Gwakuba Ndlovu and historian Mr Pathisa Nyathi would join Prof Ndlovu in conducting the lectures.

Former Midlands Governor Dr Cephas Msipa would conduct another lecture for students and members of the public at the Bulawayo Polytechnic's School of Hospitality on Friday.

The commemorations will end with a rally at White City Stadium on Saturday.