News / National
Bulawayo gives Malinga a big send-off
15 Sep 2023 at 01:21hrs | Views
A grand farewell was accorded to the late national hero, Joshua Teke Malinga, at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre. Speakers at the event praised him for his advocacy on behalf of marginalized communities, especially individuals with disabilities.
The Amphitheatre in Bulawayo was filled with numerous residents who gathered to bid their final farewell to the former mayor who passed away from prostate cancer last Friday.
Judith Ncube, the Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial and Devolution Affairs, lauded Malinga as a "remarkable figure who overcame significant challenges."
"Malinga was a true patriot. He dedicated himself to championing the rights of disabled individuals in the country, earning him the role of Special Adviser to the President on Disability," she remarked.
"He completed his primary education in a shorter period than the norm and displayed exceptional intelligence as a child. He pursued a career in accounting and climbed the ranks to reach top management at the Jairos Jiri Centre."
Ncube assured the deceased's family that the government would continue to provide support.
The newly-elected Mayor of Bulawayo, David Coltart, described Malinga as an inspirational figure who faced numerous obstacles. "As we have heard today, he did not start primary school until the age of 12. He had to overcome this, in addition to his disability and community rejection," Coltart noted.
"He did not only seek to improve his own situation but also the broader society, particularly individuals with disabilities. He is a genuine hero of Zimbabwe, and we celebrate his life," Coltart added.
Former Minister of War Veterans Affairs, Tshinga Dube, also commended the late Malinga, emphasizing his outstanding leadership abilities. "We have suffered a significant loss because Malinga possessed extraordinary leadership qualities. He demonstrated that disability does not equate to incapacity. He imparted numerous lessons, including the importance of rising above our circumstances," Dube remarked.
Malinga, who served two terms as mayor after being elected as the councillor for ward 2 in Bulawayo in 1987, was posthumously declared a national hero. His final resting place will be the National Heroes' Acre.
The Amphitheatre in Bulawayo was filled with numerous residents who gathered to bid their final farewell to the former mayor who passed away from prostate cancer last Friday.
Judith Ncube, the Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial and Devolution Affairs, lauded Malinga as a "remarkable figure who overcame significant challenges."
"Malinga was a true patriot. He dedicated himself to championing the rights of disabled individuals in the country, earning him the role of Special Adviser to the President on Disability," she remarked.
"He completed his primary education in a shorter period than the norm and displayed exceptional intelligence as a child. He pursued a career in accounting and climbed the ranks to reach top management at the Jairos Jiri Centre."
The newly-elected Mayor of Bulawayo, David Coltart, described Malinga as an inspirational figure who faced numerous obstacles. "As we have heard today, he did not start primary school until the age of 12. He had to overcome this, in addition to his disability and community rejection," Coltart noted.
"He did not only seek to improve his own situation but also the broader society, particularly individuals with disabilities. He is a genuine hero of Zimbabwe, and we celebrate his life," Coltart added.
Former Minister of War Veterans Affairs, Tshinga Dube, also commended the late Malinga, emphasizing his outstanding leadership abilities. "We have suffered a significant loss because Malinga possessed extraordinary leadership qualities. He demonstrated that disability does not equate to incapacity. He imparted numerous lessons, including the importance of rising above our circumstances," Dube remarked.
Malinga, who served two terms as mayor after being elected as the councillor for ward 2 in Bulawayo in 1987, was posthumously declared a national hero. His final resting place will be the National Heroes' Acre.
Source - newsday
