Staff Reporter1538: We agreed with JZ and he told me he was going to leave first. He promised to make arrangements for me to follow. The following week, arrangements were made for me and my wife to leave Harare for Bulawayo, then Botswana. From Bulawayo, we were accompanied by Dumiso Dabengwa and the late Sikwili adding that DD, as Dabengwa is affectionately known, was still opposed to the idea.”
1531: “Chikerema was assertive in nature. He would assert himself in any grouping he found himself in. He would brag that he controlled Nkomo and as a result, he influenced him to form a government in exile. This idea was opposed by many including the youths led by Dumiso Dabengwa. The likes of Joseph Musika too were opposed to this idea.”
1528: He narrates the events just after the formation of Zapu adding that among the pioneers, there was his cousin, James Chikerema who was the spokesman of Zapu.
1526: President has spoken glowingly of Zimbabwe’s relations with South Africa adding that nomatter what others say or think of Jacob Zuma Zimbabwe continues to relate to him normally. President Mugabe says they started Zapu together with the late Vice President Nkomo, Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo.
“We worked so well together and used to get so much support from local business people.”
1520: Passionately, he says he hopes the late VP, Joshua Nkomo is resting in peace together with other departed Comrades. He has described the late Ndebele King, Mzilikazi as one of the pioneers of the struggle adding that even his remains are interred in the great area of Ematojeni.
1516: “When I heard that our next meeting will be in Mat South, I thought of many things that connect me to this province. We held meetings with Umdala Wethu, from Kezi to Plumtree, Gwanda, Filabusi and Beitbridge.”
1515: “Our tears are still fresh. We miss him. We miss him today, we will miss him and we shall miss him forever. I hope you keep him in your prayers so that he continues to rest in peace.”
President Mugabe has described Matabeleland South as a great province. He speaks of his strong connection with Matabeleland South.
“Is this not the province of Joshua Nkomo? The values he left us with are alive. We still carry on with them in pride.”
1512: His Excellency says he is still mourning the death of Cde Naison Khutshwekhaya Ndlovu whom he calls his father in law.
1507: President Mugabe says First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe has travelled to South Africa to have her foot examined after she was injured at the airport in a freak accident recently.
1502: Cde Chipanga has invited President Mugabe to the podium. President Mugabe rises to deliver his speech to hit song “Mdara Achauya”
