President Emmerson Mnangagwa has paid tribute to the late Vice President and liberation icon Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo on the 27th anniversary of his death, describing him as a towering nationalist, champion of unity and one of the principal architects of independent Zimbabwe.
In a commemorative message issued on Wednesday, President Mnangagwa said the nation joined the Nkomo family and Zimbabweans at home and abroad in remembering the late nationalist, who died on July 1, 1999.
The President said Dr Nkomo, affectionately known as “Umdala Wethu”, “Father Zimbabwe” and “Chibwe Chitedza”, devoted his entire life to the liberation of Zimbabwe and the service of its people.
“Initially a trade unionist, the late Dr Nkomo joined active politics with the sole aim to liberate his Motherland from the shackles of colonial bondage,” President Mnangagwa said.
He described the late Vice President as a selfless leader who consistently preached peace, unity, hard work and honesty in the service of the nation.
Liberation Struggle Pioneer
Born on June 19, 1917, at Semokwe in Matabeleland South, Dr Nkomo emerged as one of Zimbabwe’s foremost nationalist leaders during the struggle against colonial rule.
After studying social work in South Africa, he returned to Southern Rhodesia and became actively involved in trade unionism before entering nationalist politics in the 1950s.
Dr Nkomo served as president of the Southern Rhodesia African National Congress before later leading the National Democratic Party and subsequently the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU), which became one of the principal liberation movements fighting for Zimbabwe’s independence.
During the liberation struggle, he played a leading role in mobilising international support for the armed struggle and worked closely with liberation movements across Africa.
His leadership earned him recognition as one of the continent’s leading Pan-Africanists and freedom fighters.
Architect of National Unity
President Mnangagwa said one of Dr Nkomo’s most enduring contributions was his role in the signing of the Unity Accord on December 22, 1987.
The agreement between ZANU and PF-ZAPU ended political divisions and laid the foundation for national unity and peace.
“Our Nation fondly remembers him as a co-architect of the historic Unity Accord, ushering in an era of durable peace and national unity which endures to this day,” the President said.
He added that the Second Republic remained committed to preserving and strengthening the values of unity and national cohesion championed by Dr Nkomo.
“The priceless bequest must pass from generation to generation without any glitch or interruption. It remains the bedrock of our stability and cohesion as a people,” President Mnangagwa said.
National Hero
Following independence in 1980, Dr Nkomo served in government and later became one of Zimbabwe’s Vice Presidents after the Unity Accord.
His political career spanned more than four decades, during which he became widely respected both locally and internationally for advocating reconciliation, tolerance and nation-building.
Dr Nkomo died on July 1, 1999, at the age of 82 and was declared a national hero. He was buried at the National Heroes Acre in Harare.
President Mnangagwa said the late nationalist’s contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation and development would continue to inspire future generations.
“As the Second Republic drives the last phase of our National Development Strategy, memories of this doyen of African liberation, this gentle giant and passionate nation-builder shall forever be etched in our hearts and chronicles of our Nation,” he said.
The President concluded by calling on Zimbabweans to uphold the values of unity, peace and patriotism that Dr Nkomo championed throughout his life.
“Long live our Unity, Peace and Freedom. Long live Zimbabwe,” the President said.