It is 24 years since the late Father Zimbabwe died but his memories still linger as if it was only
yesterday that he left us.
Umzingwane district has joined the nation to celebrate the life of the late Zimbabwean icon who
knew no race, tribe, colour or creed but who treated everyone equal.
Zimbabwe's late Vice President, Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo was affectionately known as,
Umdala Wethu, Chibwetitedza. He will be remembered for his wit and charm.
He left a legacy that continues to guide the nation in this modern day where neo-colonialism
continues to tear the continent apart.
Umzingwane Member of Parliament, retired Brigadier General Levi Mayihlome said Zimbabwean
history will be incomplete without mentioning the name of Big Josh as others preferred to call him.
“Big Josh is not only a name but a Zimbabwean big brand that takes us back to the days of liberation
struggle. You can not talk about Zimbabwean history and fail to mention the name of the late Vice
President Joshua Nkomo otherwise that history will be incomplete and fake.
“Today we are proud Zimbabweans because of him. He fought for the land successfully. Without his
contributions we would not be enjoying the fruits of independence,” said MP Mayihlome as he said
long leave to Big Josh legacy.
The Matabeleland South Provincial Minister of State and Devolution Affairs, Abednico Ncube has
always referred to Zimbabweans as sons and daughters of the soil taking it from the late Father
Zimbabwe.
“Without the contributions of the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo, we would have not made some
of the achievements being enjoyed today. Most Zimbabweans are proud farmers because of Dr.
Nkomo who did not mince his words about the land to the people mantra.
“At one time he told us that if you want money just literally change the word MALI to LIMA you will
be rich.”
Even then, he believed that there was more money in farming,” explained Ncube.
BIOGRAPHY
Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo was born on June 19, 1917 at Semukwe village in Kezi area, Matabeleland
South province. He was a son of a teacher. After primary school he went to South Africa to complete
his education in Natal and Johannesburg.
Upon returning home in 1945, he worked for Rhodesian Railways and by 1951had become a leader
of the trade union of Black Rhodesian railway workers.
In 1957 he became increasingly political and was elected president of the African National Congress
(ANC), the then leading Black nationalist organisation in Rhodesia.
When the ANC was banned in 1959, Nkomo went to England to escape imprisonment. He returned
in 1960 and founded the National Democratic Party (NDP) which was later banned in 1961.
He then formed ZAPU but was detained 1964 to 1974. After his release he travelled widely in Africa
and Europe to promote ZAPU’s goal of black majority rule in Rhodesia.
Together Zanu and Zapu waged a guerrilla war to topple the Rhodesian regime which let to
independence in April 1980.
Dr Nkomo and then leader of Zanu PF Robert Mugabe saw the need of the two brotherly parties
who had worked as the Patriotic Front to merge and heal the nation from the disturbances of the
early 1980s.
In 1996 Dr Nkomo was diagnosed with prostate cancer. His deteriorating health forced him to
retreat from public life, although he continued to hold title of vice president until his death in 1999
on July 1 aged 82.
