Harare ,(New Ziana) – On July 1 every year, Zimbabwe stands united in solemn remembrance of one of its greatest sons, the late Vice President and National Hero, Dr. Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo, affectionately known as “Father Zimbabwe.”
In marking the occasion on Tuesday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the country will continue to reflect on the immense sacrifices and visionary leadership of a man who dedicated his life to the liberation and unity of his people.
“From humble origins under successive colonial governments, Dr Joshua Nkomo devoted an entire life to raising national consciousness among his oppressed countrymen and women, whom he together with other revolutionaries subsequently led during the protracted nationalist and Armed Struggle,” he said.
Born under the oppressive shadow of colonial rule, President Mnangagwa said the late Dr. Nkomo rose from humble beginnings to become a towering figure in Zimbabwe’s nationalist movement.
Alongside fellow revolutionaries such as Benjamin Burombo, Masotsha Ndlovu, George Nyandoro, Michael Mawema, Morton Malianga, and the late President Robert Mugabe, he co-founded the National Democratic Party (NDP), laying the groundwork for the armed struggle that would eventually free Zimbabwe from colonial bondage.
Despite enduring imprisonment in notorious detention camps like Gonakudzingwa, Dr. Nkomo’s spirit remained unbroken with his unwavering commitment to justice and Pan-Africanism inspiring generations, earning him the revered title “Umdala Wethu” (Our Elder) he said.
“Chibwe Chitedza, as Dr Nkomo came to be popularly known, endured imprisonment in notorious camps such as Gonakudzingwa, but the colonial efforts failed to break his spirit. Today, twenty-six years later, Zimbabwe can look back with pride to the life of a liberator, an astute politician, and a champion of Pan-Africanism. A true son of the soil, Dr Nkomo was passionate about the land as the major reason for which the Armed Struggle had been waged,” he said.
A fierce advocate for land ownership as a cornerstone of liberation, Dr. Nkomo passionately believed that Zimbabwe’s soil belonged to its people, but tragically, he passed away just a year before the landmark Land Reform Programme began, said President Mnangagwa, adding that his dream however, still lives on as young farmers today break production records in tobacco, dairy, and horticulture, embodying his vision of self-reliance.
As the country prepares for Heroes’ Month in August, the memory of Father Zimbabwe burns ever brighter. His life reminds all citizens that unity, resilience, and self-determination are the bedrock of a prosperous nation.
New Ziana
