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Bulawayo Bureau
The mother of the late Vice President, John Landa Nkomo, Macitshi Dube Nkomo, has died.

She was 112.

The matriarch of the Nkomo family, affectionately referred to as Gogo MaDube, died at the family home in Famona suburb, Bulawayo at around midday yesterday.

Philip Nkomo, her fourth born son, said his mother was discharged from Mater Dei Hospital more than two weeks ago after being admitted due to complications related to old age.

“Our mother is a blessed woman because few have lived to this age. We thank the Lord for granting her the opportunity to live this long, and she was blessed to see her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and the list goes on.

“Old age had crept in and we have no regrets on the Lord’s doing because she was now actually suffering. Her time was up and we say may her soul rest in peace,” said Philip.

He said their mother raised them by herself after their father passed away in 1963.

“For this we consider our beloved mother a heroine,” Philip added.

Her grandson Jabulani, who is the late Vice-President John Landa Nkomo’s son, said his late iconic father regarded his mother highly during his lifetime.

“This is a sad loss to many and I say we have lost a heroine as my father used to say when he spoke of her. She looked after her nine children single-handedly but managed to groom them into respected figures.

“MaDube was also a well-respected figure in the community of Tsholotsho and no-one will be able to cover the gap she has left. The community of Tsholotsho was with us throughout her illness, and we believe they are grieving with us today,” said Jabulani.

Gogo MaDube is survived by six children, about 152 grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mourners are gathered at the Nkomo family home at number 2 Clyde Road in Famona.

She will be buried at her homestead in Bhule 1, Tsholotsho, on Sunday.