Remembering Joshua ‘MQABUKO’ Nkomo in the month of July: The Father of the hard fought for Nation

The month of July reflects much more on Joshua Nkomo in the history books of Zimbabwe’s road to independence, a prominent Zimbabwean revolutionary fighter and politician who played a crucial role in the country's struggle from colonial bondage.

As every 1st of July comes and goes, the Nation of Zimbabwe remembers the legacy of ‘Father Zimbabwe, with 2025 marking his 26th anniversary since his death. His contributions to the emancipation of the masses and call for justice earmarked the title "Father Zimbabwe" \"Umdala Wethu" (our old man), which continues to reflect and inspire generations up to date. 

Early Life.

Nkomo's political journey began in the 1950s when he became involved in trade unionism and was elected president of the Southern Rhodesia African National Congress (SRANC). After the SRANC was banned in 1959, he founded the National Democratic Party (NDP), which was also quickly banned. In 1961, he established the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU), which aimed to fight for black majority rule in Rhodesia. 

In his plan for war, Nkomo, however, was detained by the Rhodesian government from 1964 to 1974 during a period of intense political repression. After his release, he continued to lead ZAPU and its military wing, the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA), in the struggle against white minority rule. His forces played a significant role in the liberation movement, although they were often overshadowed by the rival Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) led by Robert Mugabe. 

Following Zimbabwe's independence in 1980, Nkomo's ZAPU party lost to Mugabe's ZANU in the elections, which led to a tense political rivalry. Nkomo was appointed to the cabinet but faced accusations of plotting a coup, resulting in his political marginalization. 

Back in time

After Zimbabwe attained independence in 1980, there was a brutal suppression of Zimbabwean civilians, mostly supporters of Joshua Nkomo, by Zimbabwe’s North Korean-trained 5th Brigade in the most Ndebele regions of Zimbabwe. The sad event, which became known as the Gukurahundi massacre, claimed 20,000 innocent lives. Former Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) combatants waged armed banditry against the civilians in Matabeleland and destroyed government installations.  ZAPU's Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) and ZANU's Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA) developed enmities for the support of the people and began fighting each other.

Political Journey

Nkomo served as Vice-President of the Republic of Zimbabwe from 1990 until his death on July 1, 1999. He was respected for his contributions to the liberation struggle and is remembered as a key figure in Zimbabwe's history. His legacy includes his commitment to national unity and his role in advocating for the rights of the Ndebele people and other marginalized groups in Zimbabwe. 

Agreement

On the 22nd of December 1987, Nkomo and Mugabe signed an agreement that merged the two parties into one. On 18 April 1988, Mugabe announced an amnesty for all dissidents, and Nkomo called on them to lay down their arms, and 22 dissidents surrendered in the following weeks.

The date 22 December was then made a public holiday in 1997, and it is remembered for bringing together peace and reconciliation. It is marked with national celebrations among them sporting events, including a soccer championship in which the winning team receives the Unity Cup.

Meanwhil,e President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently paid tribute to the Late National hero and former Vice President, Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, describing him as a visionary who dedicated his life to raising national realization among the oppressed, justice and peace and unity of purpose.