ZAPU pushes for hero status for Rtd Col Nketa

The Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU) has called for the late retired Colonel Dallas Patron Khutshwekhaya Nketa Ndlovu Mlevu to be declared a national hero, praising his lifelong contribution to the liberation struggle and post-independence national affairs.

Nketa, 74, died last Friday after a sudden illness and is being remembered as both a liberation war fighter and a persistent political voice on national issues.

Speaking at his Pelandaba home in Bulawayo, ZAPU leader Sibangilizwe Nkomo said Nketa's record as a freedom fighter and later army officer justified national recognition.

"He was among the first to stand up and say we must liberate ourselves," Nkomo said, noting his role in early nationalist protests and later service in the armed struggle under ZIPRA.

Nketa trained abroad and later served in the Zimbabwe National Army after independence in 1980, with deployments in Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia.

Despite his service, Nkomo said like many liberation veterans, Nketa did not receive material benefits commensurate with his sacrifice.

"He gained nothing in terms of houses, vehicles or money, yet he continued working for Zimbabweans," he said.

ZAPU officials insist that hero status should be based on deeds rather than political endorsement, arguing that Nketa's legacy is already secure among the public.

However, tensions have emerged around funeral arrangements, with ZAPU accusing the ruling party of attempting to take control of proceedings.

Nkomo said the party would resist any effort to "hijack" the funeral, alleging that some officials only showed interest in Nketa after his death.

"Where were they when he was suffering?" he said.

Civil society activist Mbuso Fuzwayo also paid tribute to Nketa, describing him as a committed advocate for historical justice who remained active in political discourse until his death.

"He supported us not for personal gain but out of commitment," Fuzwayo said, warning against politicising the funeral.

Former comrades and colleagues described Nketa as a disciplined and principled commander within the liberation forces, noting his role in logistics, weapons handling and training during the war.

As funeral tensions persist, calls from ZAPU and allied voices continue to mount for formal recognition of Nketa as a national hero, while debates over his political legacy and funeral arrangements intensify.