The Sunday News
Mbongeni Msimanga, Sunday Life Correspondent
ONE of the first black advocates in Zimbabwean history, Advocate Lot Senda, last week celebrated his 92nd birthday at a colourful ceremony held in Bulawayo.
Senda, who now has hearing impediments, boasts of well-being and a healthy lifestyle.
His birthday bash was attended by family relatives, Cabinet Minister Sithembiso Nyoni, former ministers Sekai Holland, Dumiso Dabengwa and Chief Vezi Maduna of Insiza Disctrict.
In an interview one of the family representatives Kalani Mjayeli Ndlovu described Senda as a person who had dedicated his life to fight for justice and truth not only for blacks but for any Zimbabwean.
“I believe it has been a life of integrity and honesty that has taken him this far and should be an inspiration for young people in the legal fraternity and those who want to live a longer life in general. I mean, he is still fit and basically does most of the things alone without any help. It does call for a cause for us to celebrate his life as life these days is of a short span, with many falling along the way,” said Ndlovu.
Senda witnessed the nascent stages of nationalism, its internal intrigues with the crude and repressive racism reminiscent of white Rhodesia.
For many who were present at his birthday celebrations, he still represents a face for legal emancipation, as he was described by Chief Maduna.
“I remember I went to 10 prisons and he was there to defend our rights. He constantly stood for that even after independence. It is worthy to celebrate such a man’s birthday and his name will go down the books of history in Zimbabwe,” said Chief Maduna.
Dabengwa, who worked closely with Senda, as the Zapu’s legal consultant during the liberation struggle, also echoed the same sentiments that he has so far lived an honest life.
“He stood for justice in the liberation struggle and lived a life of honestly. Anyone wishing to consult him was welcomed with warm hands as well,” he said.
