The Sunday News
Mashudu Netsianda, Sunday News Reporter
THOUSANDS of people from all walks of life yesterday braced the scorching heat and swarmed Joshua Mqabuko Polytechnic in Gwanda to celebrate the ascendancy of Cde Kembo Mohadi to the position of the country’s Vice-President.
Cde Mohadi is the second VP to come from Matabeleland South Province after the late VP Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo who was from Kezi.
True to its symbolic name, Matabeleland South, which has been dubbed the “Rainbow” province proved to be worth its name, as people from diversified ethnicity and cultures came to witness the celebrations. The event officially started shortly after 1pm with a procession by a group of women led by Cde Mohadi’s wife, Tambudzani, clad in colourful traditional Venda attire as they escorted VP Mohadi to the podium.
The crowd which has been eagerly waiting broke into song and dance as VP Mohadi made his first grand appearance. VP Mohadi in turn waved at the cheerful crowd, which had been eagerly waiting for his arrival.
The event was marked by scintillating performances by popular Gwanda poet Lerato “Nqindi” Ndlovu and South Africa-based gospel musician Tholakele Ndlovu who mesmerised the crowd with her well choreographed dances.
Man-of-the-moment, contemporary musician, Jah Prayzah’s hit songs Kutonga Kwaro and Mdhara Vhachauya kept guests on their toes. Among those who attended the event were Power and Energy Minister Cde Simon Khaya Moyo, Home Affairs and Culture Minister Dr Obert Mpofu, Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Cde Angeline Masuku and Zanu-PF Politburo member Cde Joshua Malinga.
Delegates, among them white commercial farmers and businessmen, were drawn from the province’s seven districts of Matobo, Beitbridge, Gwanda, Umzingwane, Insiza, Bulilima and Mangwe.