Heroes Month Spotlight: Joshua Nkomo — A Giant of the Liberation Struggle

Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo remains a towering figure in Zimbabwe’s history, widely revered as “Father Zimbabwe” for his pioneering role in the liberation struggle and post-independence governance.

Early Life and Education

Born on 17 June 1917 in the Semokwe area of Matabeleland, Nkomo was the third child in a family rooted in service to the London Missionary Society, where his father worked as a teacher and driver, and his mother as a cook. His early education began in Tsholotsho, after which he moved to South Africa in 1941, studying at Adams College and later earning a BA in Economics and Sociology from the Jan Hofmeyr School of Social Science in Johannesburg.

Trade Unionism and Political Rise

Nkomo’s political consciousness was sharpened in South Africa, where he engaged with ANC leaders like Nelson Mandela. Upon returning to Southern Rhodesia in 1948, he worked for Rhodesian Railways as a social worker and quickly became active in union politics, rising to become Secretary of the Railway African Workers’ Union (RAWU) by 1951.

By 1952, Nkomo had become President of the African National Congress (ANC-Rhodesia), marking the beginning of a formidable political career. His involvement in nationalist movements saw him lead successive liberation organisations including the National Democratic Party (1960–61) and ZAPU, which he founded in 1961. His consistent activism made him a target of the colonial regime, resulting in over a decade of imprisonment from 1964 to 1974 at Gonakudzingwa alongside other nationalists.

Formation of ZAPU and the Liberation Struggle

Following his release, Nkomo fled to Zambia, where he continued the liberation struggle under the banner of ZAPU. He was instrumental in forming the Patriotic Front in 1976, a loose alliance with Robert Mugabe’s ZANU, despite earlier splits in the nationalist movement.

Parliamentary Career

Nkomo was elected to Parliament multiple times, representing constituencies like Midlands and Magwegwe. In the 1985 election, he won Magwegwe with over 32,000 votes. He continued to hold public office until his passing, serving also as a Senior Minister without Portfolio and overseeing several development ministries.

Legacy and National Recognition

Widely admired across Africa, Nkomo is celebrated for his vision of unity, social justice, and peaceful reconciliation. His legacy is cemented through various honours, including:

• A statue in Bulawayo city centre

• The naming of Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport

• Establishment of the Joshua Nkomo Trust by Econet Wireless

• A set of commemorative stamps issued in his honour in 2000

He died on 1 July 1999 and was declared a National Hero and buried at the National Heroes Acre in Harare.