The Sunday News
Ngqwele Dube, Sunday News Correspondent
AN initiative by Bulawayo businessman to honour war veterans saw one of the illustrious fighters of the liberation struggle, Cde Aaron Ndlovu receiving food hampers last week.
Cde Ndlovu (92), who is struggling with medication and meeting his food requirements, is one of the pioneers of the liberation struggle having joined politics in the early 1960s. He became the second former freedom fighter to receive hampers following a similar donation last month to Cde David “Sharpshoot” Moyo of Emganwini. Businessman, Mr Nicholas Masuku donated goods worth $13 000 that were handed to over to Cde Ndlovu at his residence in Kensington, Bulawayo.
Mr Masuku was encouraged to up the initiative by three senior war veterans in Bulawayo, Cdes Jabulani Sibasa, Nkosilamandla Mkhwananzi and Saviours Moyo. Speaking at the handover ceremony, Mr Masuku said it was critical that other businesspeople come forward and help war veterans as they laid the foundation for the country’s freedom.
“We were young in the 1960s when they went to war but it was their efforts and fame that encouraged us and inspired us to head for neighbouring countries to take up the struggle. It saddens some of us to hear that some of those who went ahead of us are now destitute yet we sleep on a full stomach. We cannot just leave it up to Government to look after them. Being free has given us the opportunities to run successful businesses so we should show our appreciation to the struggling liberators,” he said.
Cde Ndlovu struggles with old-age and is unable to walk unaided. His simple two-roomed house is bare and its stature does not reflect that of one of the pioneers of the liberation struggle.
Cde Ndlovu’s wife, Mrs Cimile Ndlovu said her prayers were answered through receiving food hampers.
“It is in the midst of the struggle that God answers your prayers and for me this is what happened now with this donation. Life is not easy as whatever money Ndlovu is getting, we use it to buy medication, which by the way is also expensive. We have to fork out money for transport going to the United Bulawayo Hospitals and Ingutsheni Central as he cannot manage to walk alone without assistance for long distances and the medication also makes him hungry meaning we need more food,” she said.
