Today, July 1st, we remember the passing of a true statesman, liberator, and unifier, Dr. Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo, affectionately known as Father Zimbabwe. He departed from us on this day in 1999. We honor his sacrifices and contributions to our nation.
Many people may not know that Dr. Nkomo’s party, the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU), played a significant role in the fight for liberation, and it’s from ZAPU that the name “Zimbabwe” originated. Unfortunately, after independence in 1980, those who fought on the ZAPU side were often misunderstood, labeled as dissidents, and some were even killed.
Despite being unfairly maligned, Dr. Nkomo’s legacy endures. Interestingly, he was a Kalanga, not an Ndebele-speaking person, as some might assume. To him, we owe a debt of gratitude for his leadership of the ZIPRA forces and ZAPU. He will always be remembered as the father and founder of our great nation, Zimbabwe.
May Dr. Nkomo’s soul continue to rest in peace. We remember him fondly as Umdalawethu, UBaba, a true hero of our time.
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