The Sunday Mail
Bulawayo Bureau
Iconic revolutionary and national hero Dr Joshua Nkomo advocated national peace and unity – virtues Zimbabweans should continue to uphold, Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko has said. At a musical gala held in Dr Nkomo’s memory in Bulawayo last Friday, VP Mphoko said maintaining peace was a befitting tribute to Father Zimbabwe.
VP Nkomo died on July 1, 1999 aged 82.
“We need to do things Umdala uNkomo would have loved; let us enjoy in peace. This man who we are celebrating was a great man, a unifier and we should do the same and be like him. He was loved, indeed.
“He was committed to serving the people at all times and worked tirelessly for Independence and peace. He was also passionate about the black majority’s emancipation and empowerment.”
The Zanu-PF Bulawayo Youth League organised the Umdala Wethu Gala, which brought together thousands, among them Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Eunice Sandi Moyo, party National Political Commissar Cde Saviour Kasukuwere, and National Youth League Deputy Secretary Cde Kudzi Chipanga.
Minister Moyo said Zimbabwe was blessed to have had a leader like Dr Nkomo and should preserve his legacy, while Cde Chipanga revealed that more galas were lined up to honour VPs Simon Muzenda, Joseph Msika and John Landa Nkomo.
Various artistes gave sterling performances that got both young and old on the dancefloor. Among the performers were Iyasa, Jeys Marabini, Sulumani Chimbetu, Jah Prayzah, Winky D, Clement Magwaza, Cal-Vin, Martin and Ndolwane Super Sounds and PoZee.
