The Sunday News
Peter Matika, Senior Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has partnered the Joshua Nkomo Legacy Restoration Project (JNLRPT) in holding this year’s commemorations for the late liberation struggle icon.
The commemorations will be held at White City Stadium in Bulawayo on Tuesday. The Joshua Nkomo Day Commemorations organised and hosted by the JNLRPT have been dubbed, The Legacy Walk and Umdala Dance and will run under the theme “I am because you are”.
In a statement, JNLRPT said it has also partnered ZTA in organising the event.
“ZTA is not new to the Joshua Nkomo brand and programmes, having partnered in launching the tourism and heritage trails last year. The trails were meant to celebrate our rich history and culture, retracing the steps of one of Zimbabwe’s national heroes and late Vice-President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo,” said a representative from the trust, Mr Mehluli Moyo.
The Joshua Nkomo celebrations are meant to coincide with the anniversary of his death. Dr Nkomo died on 1 July 1999.
“This year’s commemorations will be marked by a procession starting at Mahomva Shopping Centre in Mpopoma and ending at White City Stadium in Pelandaba with a fusion of traditional and contemporary music. From a tourism perspective, the preservation of the legacy will help promote domestic and international tourism. The community’s image and pride is also set to improve,” said Mr Moyo.
The Joshua Nkomo Day Commemorations has become an annual event organised and hosted by the JNLRPT.
“As an organisation, we uphold and commit ourselves to an inclusive approach towards and during this event. That is why the invitation is extended to various stakeholders in the public and private sector. Therefore, our 2019 main sponsor is the ZTA,” said Mr Moyo.
“Drum majorettes from our local schools, army and police band, arts groups (Indlukula kaNyongolo) and other entertainers will lead the procession delivering a thoroughly crafted production, which will indeed be befitting to the stature and legacy of our icon. This will be the main event inside White City Stadium in Bulawayo where people will be treated to sumptuous meals and beverages, traditional and contemporary music in celebration of their hero.”
@peterkmatika
