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Midlands Bureau
THE existence of Pan Africanism is due to the hard work of the late national hero Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo and his fellow comrades from other countries who fought colonialism to pave way for nationalism, indigenisation, humanity and elimination of inferiority complex among black people.

Delivering a public lecture during a memorial academic lecture in honour of the late Vice President at the Midlands State University (MSU) in Gweru last Friday, renowned South Africa-based academic, author, researcher and editor, Professor Sabelo Gatsheni Ndlovu called on the nation to take after Dr Nkomo’s visionary and selfless leadership.

The lecture was the 4th edition and was organised by the Joshua Nkomo Legacy Foundation in conjunction with the MSU.

“In the book which I edited in 2017, entitled ‘Joshua Nkomo of Zimbabwe: Context, Power and Memory’. What emerges from that book is that Nkomo was a nationalist diplomat, Nkomo was a philosopher of liberation, Nkomo was an advocate of land reclamation,” said Prof Ndlovu.

“I wonder how else we can understand Nkomo’s sacrifices, struggles and compromises except as a person who was on fire for justice.

“The existence of Pan Africanism is due to the hard work of Dr Nkomo and his fellow comrades from other countries who fought colonialism to pave way for nationalism, indigenisation, humanity, the dignity of and elimination of inferiority complex among black people. The nation should take after his visionary and selfless leadership.”

Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Amon Murirwa told delegates that Father Zimbabwe gave power to the people to enable them to work and make the country great.

“It is a lesson that we learn from Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo that no universal selfishness can bring social good to all,” he said. “Let’s be selfless like Father Zimbabwe.”

Vice Chancellors, staff members, students from MSU and sister universities also attended the lecture which coincided with Umdala Wethu’s birthday.

The lecture was titled: “In memory of Umdala Wethu, African Development University, Africa Intellectuals/Scholars and African futures.”