Lupane, Zimbabwe – ZANU-PF leaders in Matabeleland North Province have resolved to lobby the Government to declare 1 July a public holiday in honour of the late Vice President and liberation icon, Dr Joshua Nkomo, who passed away on that day in 1999. The move aims to further immortalise Dr Nkomo’s legacy as “Father Zimbabwe,” recognising his pivotal role in the nation’s liberation struggle.
The resolution was unanimously adopted during a Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting held in Lupane on Friday. Provincial leaders emphasised the importance of ensuring that Dr Joshua Nkomo’s contributions to Zimbabwe’s independence are remembered and celebrated formally by the nation.
Zimbabwe boasts a long list of national heroes who dedicated their lives to the country’s liberation, but Dr Joshua Nkomo stands out for his leadership during the fight against white minority colonial rule. His unwavering commitment to the cause helped pave the way for Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, earning him the widely revered title of Father Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the meeting, Cde Richard Moyo, Chairperson for ZANU-PF Matabeleland North Province, highlighted the public demand for the recognition of Dr Nkomo’s legacy:
“We want the founding father of Zimbabwe to be observed in a way where a day is set as a public holiday. This is what the people here are saying, and it is an echo from the year 2024.”
Cde Moyo underscored that the initiative was driven by grassroots consultations across the province, reflecting the genuine wishes of the people rather than top-down directives.
Cde Alice Dube, ZANU-PF Politburo member, echoed these sentiments, stressing the legitimacy of the provincial resolution:
“All resolutions passed here are coming from districts. No one has been manipulated or coerced to do so, and thank you for your clarity on this issue. From chairpersons at the district level, there is clarity that this is what people want.”
ZANU-PF Matabeleland North Pushes for Joshua Nkomo Day to Become a Public Holiday
The proposed public holiday would formally honour Dr Nkomo’s life and work, complementing the existing tributes already bestowed upon him. Notably, Bulawayo International Airport bears his name, his statue stands proudly in Zimbabwe’s second largest city, and several roads across the country have been named in his honour.
Beyond commemorating Dr Nkomo, the PCC meeting also touched on broader governance and development issues. The committee recommended that President Emerson Mnangagwa continue to drive Zimbabwe’s national development agenda, with aspirations for the country to achieve tangible socio-economic progress by 2030. This resolution highlights the province’s ongoing engagement with national policy and the desire to see continuity in developmental initiatives.
Observers noted that the push for Joshua Nkomo Day reflects a broader trend in Zimbabwe to formally recognise liberation struggle icons through public holidays and memorials. Such recognition is seen as a vital tool for nation-building, preserving historical memory, and instilling a sense of patriotism among younger generations.
By declaring 1 July a public holiday, the government would provide Zimbabweans with a dedicated occasion to honour Dr Nkomo’s contributions, celebrate the country’s liberation history, and reflect on the sacrifices made by freedom fighters. The move could also reinforce the importance of national unity and historical awareness in contemporary Zimbabwe.
Local party officials said consultations had been extensive, covering all districts in Matabeleland North, and that the sentiment was unanimous. Many community members expressed that formal recognition would validate the historical and cultural significance of Dr Nkomo’s leadership, particularly for the Ndebele community and the nation at large.
The PCC also discussed other strategic priorities for the province, including ongoing infrastructure development, social service delivery, and agricultural initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods in the region. However, elevating Joshua Nkomo Day to a public holiday remained a top priority, demonstrating the enduring reverence for the liberation icon.
In conclusion, ZANU-PF Matabeleland North Province’s resolution to lobby for a public holiday in Dr Joshua Nkomo’s honour represents a concerted effort to embed the nation’s liberation history into the country’s formal calendar. It also reflects the province’s commitment to honouring its heroes, promoting national cohesion, and supporting the government’s broader socio-economic vision.
If approved, 1 July would not only commemorate Dr Nkomo’s life but also serve as a national reminder of Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence and the enduring values of courage, leadership, and dedication to the country. For many, this would be a fitting tribute to a man whose life shaped the nation’s destiny.
Source- zbc
