Dr Joshua Nkomo lecture series kicks off

THE inaugural lecture series on the life of the late Vice-President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo began in Bulawayo yesterday with residents, saying they were annoyed by the continued delays in the completion of Father Zimbabwe's development projects. The residents also repeated calls to have 1 July declared a public holiday in honour of the late Vice President.

Speaking after the presentation of the first lecture by Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial chairman Professor Callistus Ndlovu at the Small City Hall, residents said it was disheartening that Dr Nkomo's projects remained in limbo 14 years after his death.

The late Vice President died on 1 July 1999.

"I lived during the Rhodesian era and saw what Dr Nkomo did and I am so annoyed that despite the contribution that he did for this country his projects continue to be neglected," said one of the residents from the floor.

"His name is not honoured. We are wondering what is delaying the completion of his projects, the airport, the statue and his hospital."

The residents complained that Treasury was not giving sufficient funding for the completion of Dr Nkomo's projects.

"Every time we are told that there is insufficient funding for Dr Nkomo's projects. What really is happening?  Are some people are deliberately dragging their feet so that we do not honour our hero?" fumed another resident.

On Monday unknown people "changed" Main Street into Joshua Nkomo Street in what has been viewed as a protest over delays in the renaming of the street, which outgoing MDC-T dominated city councillors failed to do. Commenting on the issue Prof Ndlovu said his party was also concerned by the continued delays in completing the projects.

"We think this is the time to correct all these mistakes. As for the statue we understand there are logistical problems due to insufficient funding from Treasury. As a party we will do something about that and ensure the project is completed soon. We had planned that the whole of Main Street be decorated with markings of different tribes as Dr Nkomo did not discriminate any tribe."

The residents also demanded that the school syllabus be changed to capture the full history of Dr Nkomo, whom they described as the champion of nationalism in Zimbabwe. Cde Monica Mguni challenged Government officials to promote indigenous languages, saying Dr Nkomo used either Ndebele or Shona whenever he addressed his meetings. Earlier on in his lecture Prof Ndlovu said Dr Nkomo would always be remembered for his fearless stance in challenging the settler regime and demanding equality among the people of different ethnic origins.

"Dr Nkomo did not dwell on narrow ethnic issues but accepted everyone. He was a person who could absorb shock and exuded enthusiasm and optimism even at the darkest hour.

"He was a principled man who was able to compartmentalise his challenges and put aside troubles to concentrate on his objectives. Dr Nkomo was a rational leader who could not be dragged to talk tribal because he was farsighted," said Prof Ndlovu.

"He was an icon and I subscribe to the call to have the day he died declared a public holiday," he said.

Speaking at the same occasion Child President Ntando Moyo said the youth should emulate Dr Nkomo in all aspects. He said the late VP was a man of change who sacrificed his life to achieve peace and unity. The public lecturers on the life of Dr Nkomo are continuing today with four presentations at Pelandaba Hall  at 9am, Pumula South Hall at 1pm, Nkulumane Hall at 1pm and Luveve's Beit Hall at 1pm.

Prof Ndlovu and historian Mr Pathisa Nyathi will give the lectures.

Tomorrow former Midlands Governor Dr Cephas Msipa will also give a public lecture to students and members of the public at Bulawayo Polytechnic's School of Hospitality.