By Tendai Guvamombe
Harare, Zimbabwe (News of The South) – Preparations to hold Joshua Nkomo Commemorations on the first of July in Bulawayo are at an advanced stage with Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) and Joshua Nkomo Legacy Restoration Project Trust(JNLRPT) combining efforts in ensuring the event to be a success.
The positive development has been confirmed by ZTA Head of Communications Godfrey ´Chief’ Koti on Thursday saying the commemorations are scheduled to be hosted by Joshua Nkomo Legacy Restoration Project Trust (JNLRPT) under the theme ´I am because you are´ will see Legacy Walk and Umdala dances are expected to stall the day.
“The Joshua Nkomo Day Commemorations organised and hosted by the Joshua Nkomo Legacy Restoration Project Trust (JNLRPT) dubbed, The Legacy Walk and Umdala Dance are scheduled to take place on 1 July 2019 in Bulawayo and will run under the theme: ‘I am because you are.”
According to Chief Koti the involvement of the tourism sector with Joshua Nkomo events can be traced back to 2018 during the launch of Tourism and Heritage Trails a move which was seen as a stepping stone in maintaining national heritage and history.
“The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has partnered with JNLRPT in organising the event. The ZTA is not new to the ‘Joshua Nkomo Brand’ and Programmes, having partnered in launching the Tourism and Heritage Trails last year. The Trails were meant to celebrate our rich history and culture, retracing the steps of one of Zimbabwe’s national heroes and former Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr. Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo.”
This year’s Mdala Wethu Celebrations are taking place exactly some 20 years after his death and processions of the event will commence from Mahomva Shopping Centre in Mpopoma and end at White City Stadium in Phelandaba with a bit of traditional music and dances expected to grace the occasion.
“The Joshua Nkomo celebrations are meant to coincide with the anniversary of his death exactly twenty years ago. This year’s commemorations will be marked by a procession starting at Mahomva Shopping Centre in Mpophoma and ending at White City Stadium in Phelandaba with a fusion of traditional and contemporary music.”
The Mdala Wethu commemorations will go a long way in promoting both domestic and international tourism in the country.
“From a tourism perspective, the preservation of the legacy will help promote domestic and international tourism. The community’s image and pride is also set to improve.”
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