By Ndumiso Tshuma
Zimbabweans have been urged to reflect on the founding values of unity, equality, and servant leadership espoused by the late national hero Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo, 26 years after his passing.
Mthulisi Hanana, Secretary General of the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU), said Zimbabwe had drifted from the inclusive and just nation Nkomo had envisioned.
“Under President Nkomo, nationhood and unity came first. He popularised the term umntwana wenhlabathi (child of the soil) to affirm equality among all Zimbabweans, regardless of tribe, language or race,” Hanana said on This Morning on Asakhe, a current affairs programme hosted by CITEZW on X (formerly Twitter).
Hanana criticised what he called growing tribal divisions in the country, contrasting them with the values Nkomo stood for.
“Tribalism was taboo under Nkomo. It was considered inyamazana, something beastly. Today, we are witnessing a hegemonic, divided society that’s completely contrary to his teachings,” he said.
He added that Nkomo’s belief in reconciliation stood in sharp contrast to what he described as a prevailing culture of impunity.
“Even after independence, he chose to work with former colonial regimes and political opponents for the sake of peace and progress. Now, we lack that spirit of reconciliation,” said Hanana.
He also condemned the government’s ongoing failure to acknowledge the Gukurahundi massacres, in which thousands were killed in the 1980s.
“To this day, successive ZANU-PF regimes have refused to call it genocide or apologise,” said Hanana, adding that under Nkomo, people felt safe and protected, whereas now “people are afraid to vote freely.”
Bulawayo Ward 5 Councillor Dumisani Nkomo, the late vice president’s nephew, described his uncle as a towering figure whose values shaped both family and nation.
“He believed in ubuntu and servant leadership. Even on his deathbed, he asked: ‘Where are the people?’ That’s how deeply he cared,” said Councillor Nkomo.
He added that the family’s tradition of political activism, beginning in the 1940s, reflected their collective commitment to Nkomo’s ideals.
“Equality, non-discrimination, unity across tribes, races and religions, these are values that got him imprisoned and cost him his family life,” said Councillor Nkomo.
Mehluli Moyo, Chairperson of the Joshua Nkomo Restoration Project Trust, said the Trust was formed to preserve and promote Nkomo’s legacy.
“We work with government, the private sector, and communities to instil his values, love, tolerance, peace and pride in being Zimbabwean,” Moyo said.
He urged Zimbabweans to address national challenges by applying the principles Nkomo lived by.
“Peace is not fear. It’s the ability to engage and resolve differences constructively,” he said.
Dr Joshua Nkomo, known affectionately as “Father Zimbabwe,” died on 1 July 1999. His legacy as a liberation hero, visionary leader and advocate for unity remains widely respected across Zimbabwe.
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