News / National
Thambolenyoka's changed life
21 Jul 2017 at 11:31hrs | Views
THE Biblical story of Saul who persecuted Jesus's followers but later turned to be the Lord's ardent follower and apostle, assuming the name Paul, preaching the Gospel to many and saving souls, vividly describes the life of a former dissident, Thambolenyoka.
Born Tennyson Ndlovu, the name Thambolenyoka sent shivers down the spines of villagers in Matabeleland South province in the early 1980s during the era of political disturbances. Cde Ndlovu, used the name Thambolenyoka lihlaba elimzondayo (the snake bone that pricks enemies) during the 1980s disturbances. A mere mention of his name during that era, would make people run.
He together with dissidents such as Richard Gwesela made names for the wrong reasons and gave security forces a torrid time in trying to quell their insurgencies. Gwesela was killed on 18 September 1987 in the Zhombe area by security forces.
Thambolenyoka and 54 other dissidents operating in Matabeleland South namely, Gayigusu, Desheka and "Fidel Castro" turned up and handed themselves over to security forces at Gwanda Recreational Centre after an amnesty was pronounced by President Mugabe.
The granting of amnesty to dissidents followed the signing of a peace deal and Unity Accord between President Mugabe and the late Vice-President Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo on 22 December 1987.
Since then, Thambolenyoka was integrated into the civilian life but, however, he did not just sit and reflect on his past but instead focused his mind to work for the people. He turned from villain to hero.
In 2002, Thambolenyoka led a group of war veterans occupying farms during the land reform programme in Matabeleland South where a number of landless villagers were resettled as a result of that. He got a plot at Lancaster Farm in his home district of Insiza where he is farming.
Thambolenyoka has proved to be a darling of the people in the resettlement areas and villages of Fort Rixon because of his fight to better their lives.
In 2013, he was voted as a councillor for Ward 14 under the Insiza Rural District Council, on a Zanu-PF ticket. Since his first day in office, he has spearheaded development progammes in Fort Rixon, making him a darling for many.
This is the story of Saul - Thambolenyoka the dissident and; Paul - Thambolenyoka the councillor.
Born Tennyson Ndlovu, the name Thambolenyoka sent shivers down the spines of villagers in Matabeleland South province in the early 1980s during the era of political disturbances. Cde Ndlovu, used the name Thambolenyoka lihlaba elimzondayo (the snake bone that pricks enemies) during the 1980s disturbances. A mere mention of his name during that era, would make people run.
He together with dissidents such as Richard Gwesela made names for the wrong reasons and gave security forces a torrid time in trying to quell their insurgencies. Gwesela was killed on 18 September 1987 in the Zhombe area by security forces.
Thambolenyoka and 54 other dissidents operating in Matabeleland South namely, Gayigusu, Desheka and "Fidel Castro" turned up and handed themselves over to security forces at Gwanda Recreational Centre after an amnesty was pronounced by President Mugabe.
The granting of amnesty to dissidents followed the signing of a peace deal and Unity Accord between President Mugabe and the late Vice-President Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo on 22 December 1987.
Since then, Thambolenyoka was integrated into the civilian life but, however, he did not just sit and reflect on his past but instead focused his mind to work for the people. He turned from villain to hero.
In 2002, Thambolenyoka led a group of war veterans occupying farms during the land reform programme in Matabeleland South where a number of landless villagers were resettled as a result of that. He got a plot at Lancaster Farm in his home district of Insiza where he is farming.
Thambolenyoka has proved to be a darling of the people in the resettlement areas and villages of Fort Rixon because of his fight to better their lives.
In 2013, he was voted as a councillor for Ward 14 under the Insiza Rural District Council, on a Zanu-PF ticket. Since his first day in office, he has spearheaded development progammes in Fort Rixon, making him a darling for many.
This is the story of Saul - Thambolenyoka the dissident and; Paul - Thambolenyoka the councillor.
Source - sundaynews
