The Herald (Zimbabwe)

President pays tribute to late VP John Nkomo

- Zvamaida Murwira Senior Reporter

FORMER Vice President, Dr John Landa Nkomo who died on January 17, 2013 was a stalwart of the liberation struggle and peace builder who popularise­d the mantra “Peace begins with me, Peace begins with you, Peace begins with all of us,” President Mnangagwa said yesterday on the 11th anniversar­y of Cde Nkomo’s death.

President Mnangagwa said Dr Nkomo showed great humility in all Government positions he held.

“On this day, 17 January 2024, the Second Republic joins the family of the late former Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr John Landa Nkomo, in rememberin­g a stalwart of the liberation struggle who contribute­d immensely to the birth of an independen­t Zimbabwe,” said President Mnangagwa.

“From humble beginnings in rural Tsholotsho, Cde John Landa Nkomo was irked by injustices of the colonial system and resolved to commit himself unflinchin­gly to the liberation of his motherland.

“The late Vice President served the nation he had helped liberate in various portfolios which included Cabinet Minister, Speaker of Parliament from 2005 to 2008, Minister of State in the President’s Office and National Chairman of the ruling Zanu PF party in 2009, the same year that he ascended to the post of Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe.”

President Mnangagwa said Cde Nkomo showed humility and selflessne­ss in all the positions he held.

“In all the aforesaid positions, Cde John Landa Nkomo exhibited unparallel­ed humility, selflessne­ss and diligence, always striving to achieve the best results for communitie­s and our entire nation, no matter the circumstan­ces. As a true revolution­ary, he lent maximum support to all empowermen­t and developmen­t programmes, foremost being the land reform programme, which returned a vital resource to its rightful owners.

“Many today can testify to the former Vice President’s principled stance on nation building which saw him popularise the ‘Peace begins with me. Peace begins with you. Peace begins with all of us,” said President Mnangagwa.

“As we remember our late former Vice President, the Second Republic once again declares its unequivoca­l commitment to the uplifting of all Zimbabwean­s, leaving no one and no place behind.

“The second phase of the National Developmen­t Strategy shall be implemente­d with greater resolve as we consolidat­e the veritable gains so far scored. May the soul of the illustriou­s son of the soil and our national hero, the dear departed Cde John Landa Nkomo, rest in eternal peace.”

The late VP was always remembered as a distinguis­hed cadre.

Last year, Government hosted a musical gala in Nkayi, Matabelela­nd North province, his home province.

Scores of villagers thronged Dimpamiwa Sports Grounds in Nkayi where a celebrator­y gala was held in the late Vice President’s honour.

◆ Full story on www.herald.co.zw

 ?? ?? The late VP Nkomo
The late VP Nkomo

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Zimbabwe