During ZANU PF’s National People’s Convention on October 2nd, Patrick Chinamasa announced the party’s resolution to declare July 1st a national public holiday in honor of the late Vice President of Zimbabwe and ZANU PF Second Secretary, Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo. The announcement was met with jubilation, especially in Bulawayo, the host province, where residents have long called for a public holiday on July 1st in remembrance of Vice President Nkomo.

‘1st July of each year be declared a Public Holiday in honour of the late Hon. Vice President, Cde. Dr. Joshua Nyongolo Mqabuko Nkomo‘ read part of the statement on ZanuPF Sec. for Legal Affairs – Patrick Chinamasa X account.

Known as “Father Zimbabwe” for his role in the second liberation struggle, Nkomo was born on June 19, 1917, in Matobo, Matabeleland. After completing primary school in Southern Rhodesia, he pursued carpentry at the Tsholotsho Government Industrial School. Nkomo later worked as a driver, ventured into animal husbandry, and taught carpentry at Manyame School in Kezi. He married Johanna Fuyana on October 1, 1949.

A lifelong advocate for Zimbabwe’s independence and black rights, Nkomo led various political and trade unions, including the Railways Workers Union, African National Congress, National Democratic Party, and ZAPU. In 1979, he participated in the Lancaster House negotiations, which led to Zimbabwe’s independence. His ZAPU party won 20 seats in Matabeleland during the 1980 elections. Declining an offer for a ceremonial presidency, he later served as Minister of Home Affairs.

After the 1987 civil conflict, Nkomo agreed to merge ZAPU with ZANU, creating a unified party, ZANU PF, effectively making Zimbabwe a one-party state. In 1990, following a constitutional amendment, Nkomo became Zimbabwe’s second vice president.

Nkomo, who passed away on July 1, 1999, at age 82, left behind four children, some of whom are politically active. His son Sibangilizwe Michael Nkomo revived his father’s former party, ZAPU, which currently holds the third-largest position in Zimbabwe after securing a council seat in the 2023 general elections.