The Sunday News
RESIDENTS of Bulawayo yesterday converged in the city centre where the statue of the late nationalist Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo is erected briefly turning the place into a “holy shrine” as they commemorated the birthday of the late Father Zimbabwe.
Dr Nkomo who died on 1 July 1999 would have turned 97 yesterday. He was born on 7 June 1917, in Bulilima in Matabeleland South, a predominantly Kalanga area that was known as Semokwe Reserve.
Different traditional leaders including chiefs, cultural groups and the public descended on the statue situated along the JM Nkomo Street to celebrate the life of the former Vice-President.
Those who came near the statue were asked to take off their shoes as the traditional leaders invited the “spirit” of the late nationalist to rest in peace.
“Vuka Nkomo nansi indaba, Vuka nyongolo nansi indaba, Akusilamulele nansi indaba,” sang different cultural groups joined by the public.
Other members of the public shared traditional beer that was brewed in honour of the late nationalist.
The traffic along 9th Avenue and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street came to a standstill as it as partly blocked by the public congregated around the statue and motorists who slowed down to take a glimpse of the colourful cultural groups dancing and singing.
Chairman of Matojeni Cultural Society, Mr Albert Nyoni who was clad in beads and animal skins, said this year’s celebrations were significant for four reasons.
“This year we have more reasons to celebrate the birth of Umdala wethu. There are four main reasons — the first being the obvious, it is his date of birth. Secondly, we are celebrating the naming of this street that we are on, after him.
“Thirdly, we are celebrating this magnificent statue before us, his birthday has never been celebrated with the statue in existence. Lastly but not least, we want to recognise the fact that since this statue was erected, the heavens have opened up and the rains have been good,” said elderly Mr Nyoni.
“The spirit of Father Nkomo is hovering among us, even beyond human life as we know it, he has not abandoned us. He has given us rain. The place that we are standing at as a result is holy ground that is why we have asked everyone around the statue to take off their shoes.”
Mr Khethokwakhe Dube from New Magwegwe, who was following the proceedings, said the celebration of Dr Nkomo reminded the nation to hold dear the sacrifices that the veteran leader had to endure in order to dislodge the cruel settler colonial regime that was bent on oppressing and suppressing the people in order to freely plunder the people’s land.
“Nkomo was instrumental in defeating the colonial regime, giving us the freedom that we cherish so dearly today. We thank him for standing steadfast and resolute, not only in defending our freedom, but teaching us to be our employers, to work our land,” said Mr Dube.
Next month the nation will also commemorate 15 years after the death of Father Zimbabwe.
