Veteran nationalist Naison Ndlovu dies

By Auxilia Katongomara/Mashudu Netsianda

Veteran nationalist Naison Khutshwekhaya Ndlovu (86) has died. Ndlovu, a Zanu-PF Central Committee member and former Deputy Senate President from 2008 to 2013, succumbed to prostate cancer at around 2AM yesterday.

His wife Sithokozile said Ndlovu, who had been battling prostate cancer for a long time, passed on at his daughter’s home.

Ndlovu, who was the National Chairman of PF-Zapu at the signing of the Unity Accord in 1987, was also the first black mayor of Bulawayo, assuming the post in 1981 and serving two terms.

He was the only surviving member from the PF-Zapu side involved in the initial talks towards uniting PF Zapu and Zanu.

The late nationalist made his last public appearance at Mpilo Central Hospital during the opening of the cancer unit and spoke about his struggle with the disease.

As news of Ndlovu’s death spread yesterday afternoon, mourners began to gather at his Luveve suburb home.

Among the mourners were Zanu-PF senior officials Absalom Sikhosana and Molly Mpofu.

Sikhosana described Ndlovu as an astute leader and a fountain of wisdom.

“We are very devastated by this development because we were not expecting it. We thought from the assistance he was getting he would pull through, unfortunately this is what has happened. We are pained and shocked by the departure of the veteran and one of the founding fathers of our liberation,” he said.

“We have lost a fountain of wisdom, a fountain of knowledge and somebody whom we were looking up to for guidance and someone who was senior and experienced. We feel very empty. His departure leaves a void which will be very difficult to fill.”

Zanu-PF Politburo member, Joshua Malinga, who is a nephew to Ndlovu, described him as a committed, consistent and a very progressive man.

“He was always consistent and very progressive in thinking and deeds. He has been consistent, persistent before, during and after the liberation struggle till his death.

“On the Zapu side, he worked very well with others and rose through the ranks to become the party’s national chairman,” said Malinga.

He said he first met Ndlovu at Jairos Jiri Centre and the nationalist taught him leather craft.

Ndlovu is survived by wife Sithokozile and two children. 

Mourners are gathered at number 5649 Luveve 4 suburb. The Chronicle