The Sunday News
Peter Matika Senior Leisure Reporter
THE late Vice-President Dr Joshua Nkomo’s dream to get the message of unity across Africa has not only influenced and touched the hearts of many Zimbabweans but those of South Africans too as was illustrated by the recent celebrations of his life which were characterised by pomp and fanfare.The celebrations were held in Johannesburg, South Africa, at the Hillbrow Theatre last week, with more than 100 artistes made up of dance groups and bands providing luminous entertainment, during the event.
The commemorations drew the attention of Zimbabweans based in South Africa as well as South Africans who were inspired by the message of unity.
Mehluli Moyo, who is the Joshua Nkomo Cultural Movement national director and family representative, described the late veteran nationalist as a man who sacrificed his entire life to see people unite.
“The late Dr Nkomo was a man of wisdom who saw it beneficial, not only to the people of Zimbabwe to cast aside all differences and unite to develop the country. He sacrificed a lot to see Zimbabweans uniting to fight for a cause, a cause that has made a very significant difference in the country and has seen Zimbabwe growing beyond imagination. His messages have not only influenced Zimbabweans but have even spread across the border into South Africa. It is very much pleasing to reiterate that his sacrifice and wish was not in vain,” he said.
The commemorations were held under the theme, Our father, our pride celebrating his life through art, where Zimbabwean artistEs based in and outside South Africa converged to pay their respects.
The event was organised by the Matabeleland Entertainment News (Men), a media and arts organisation run by Zimbabwean artistes based in South Africa.
Men spokesperson Mongezi Mpofu, said the event was a resounding success which gave hope to many people who believed in promoting unity across the globe.
“This event is not only to celebrate Dr Nkomo but other heroes who possessed a similar vision. It is through their advocacy that we are able to walk freely without being oppressed and without any racial stigmas,” he said.
The event saw two Zimbabwean nationals, Bongani Ncube and Prudence JZ Moyo who are based in South Africa being awarded with leadership awards for the communities they represent.
Another organiser of the event, Mothusi Ndlovu, said he was pleased with this year’s turn out that managed to promote peace and unity even in South Africa.
“Our late father Zimbabwe’s message had been that of promoting peace even beyond our borders. As an organisation, which advocates for unity and peace we are happy to see that this project has gone a long way and we hope to hold even more events of such a nature. We are presently working towards holding a festival in Zimbabwe but we will avail that information once we put our logistics together,” he said.
Some of the arts groups based in South Africa have matured and grown popular to the extent that they are now sought-after artistes at various events.
Other artistes and groups included, Njube hip-hop group Jubenics, Tsholotsho-born sensation Maskandi, Zinjaziyaluma, Abafana bakaMzilikazi, Imbizo Messengers, Moyoxide (poet), and Amabhubesi among a long list of artistes.
