Nkomo Commemorations Begin

Robert Mugabe of the Zimbabwe African National Union along with Joshua Nkomo of the Zimbabwe African People's Union. Both organization fought for the national liberation of Zimbabwe during the 1960s and 1970s., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

Nkomo commemorations begin

Monday, 01 July 2013 01:11
Bulawayo Bureau

BULAWAYO residents will today commemorate the life of the late Vice-President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, with his family calling on the Government to quickly complete public projects being implemented in his honour.

Commemorations of the fourteenth anniversary of his death would be held at Stanley Square in Makokoba.

Projects in Bulawayo that have not been completed are the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, Ekusileni Medical Centre, the statue and renaming of Main Street after him.

“It is painful to us because people are hesitating to complete these projects and we are surprised as we wonder what is happening,” said Mr Sibangilizwe Nkomo, Dr Nkomo’s son.

“We should fully thank Dr Nkomo for his work as he did a good job. It is 14 years after he passed away but people are still talking about him as a visionary leader. For the statue, I understand US$100 000 is needed but we have seen the Government spending more money on some projects.”

Dr Nkomo’s daughter, Thandiwe said: “My father was a caring man and loved to unite people of all tribes. What is painful is that most of the projects he wanted to benefit people are not yet compete. If you look at the clinic, it was meant to help people.”

Zanu-PF Central Committee member Cde Godfrey Malaba said the party was concerned about the legacy of Dr Nkomo, adding that the province had lined up activities to commemorate his life.

“We are trying to conscientise people so that they remember the role played by Dr Nkomo during and after the liberation struggle.
“For this I week we will be concentrating on remembering the work done by Father Zimbabwe. After that we will be consult relevant authorities on why projects under his name are not completed. The party wants to know the problems being faced by people concerned so that it acts accordingly,” he said.

He added that Zanu-PF Bulawayo province would from today have a special week to commemorate the life of the late Vice President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo.
A number of activities have been lined up starting today up to Saturday.

Cde Malaba said the activities that have been lined up for the special week included exhibitions, lectures and entertainment from different cultural groups.