Heroes Month Spotlight: Enos Mzombi Nkala

Early Life and Education
Enos Mzombi Nkala, born on 23 August 1932 in Insiza, Zimbabwe, was raised in a modest home by a father who worked variously as a farmer, cook, Methodist preacher, police officer, and cobbler in Gwanda. Nkala attended Mzinyati Mission School in Essexvale (now Esigodini) and pursued further education through correspondence. He earned a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of South Africa and began—but did not complete—an LL.B. with the University of London.

Early Career and Political Awakening
After leaving school in 1950, Nkala worked as a laboratory assistant at Rhodesian Cement in Colleen Bawn. He later moved to Harare in 1953, selling newspapers before rising to clerical positions and eventually becoming an insurance agent. His political activism began in earnest in the early 1960s. In 1961, he was convicted for making a “subversive” statement.

His political career took shape during the formation of the National Democratic Party (NDP) in 1960 under Joshua Nkomo. As Deputy Secretary-General, Nkala played a central role in the party. He claimed to have introduced Robert Mugabe to nationalist politics, arranging for him to speak at a pivotal meeting at Cyril Jennings Hall in Highfield.

Formation of ZANU and Split from ZAPU
Following the NDP’s ban in 1961, ZAPU was formed. However, internal disputes led to a 1963 split. Nkala, reportedly at odds with Nkomo over personal and ideological differences, was instrumental in founding the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU), later ZANU PF. Nkala often took credit for engineering the party’s breakaway and served as ZANU’s first Treasurer General, working alongside Nathan Shamuyarira.

Imprisonment and the Liberation Struggle
Nkala was arrested during the Rhodesian regime’s crackdown on nationalist leaders and was only released in November 1979, following the collapse of the détente exercise. During the liberation war, he was heavily involved in internal ZANU PF politics and was even acting head of the party in 1979 prior to Simon Muzenda’s return.

Post-Independence Roles
After Zimbabwe attained independence in 1980, Nkala became one of the country’s first Cabinet Ministers, initially serving as Minister of Finance. However, by 1983, Bernard Chidzero replaced him after the ministry was expanded to include Economic Planning and Development. Nkala was subsequently appointed Minister of National Supplies and later served as Minister of Home Affairs, and then as Minister of Defence.

Electoral Loss and Political Tensions
In the 1985 elections, Nkala ran in Insiza but lost significantly to PF-ZAPU’s Naison Kwidini. Around this time, his relationship with President Mugabe reportedly soured, particularly after being moved from key ministries.

Later Years and Reflections on Mugabe
In later years, Nkala became one of Robert Mugabe’s vocal critics, accusing him of abandoning democratic values and fostering tribal dominance. Despite their strained political relationship, Nkala noted that Mugabe continued to visit him and even increased his pension to support him in retirement.

Death and Legacy
Nkala died in 2013, the former President Mugabe declared him a national hero. The ZANU PF Politburo affirmed this decision, recognizing his role in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle despite his later controversies.