THERE was an outpouring of grief following the death of Vice-President John Nkomo yesterday, with leaders from across the political divide saying the country had lost a stabilising force.
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Zapu leader Dumiso Dabengwa described Nkomo as a unifier and sober politician.
“He had been ill for some time and although we complain when someone goes, there are instances where he had been going through a lot of pain and you feel that death comes in as a relief,” he said.
“It’s a loss really for Zanu PF in particular and the country as a whole. He was a stabilising force in everything. He didn’t like to hurt the feelings of anybody.
“He was diplomatic and if he knew he did not agree with you, he wouldn’t use the word no, but would find a diplomatic way and from that point, I think people felt he was a stabilising factor.”
Zanu PF secretary for administration Didymus Mutasa said Zimbabwe had lost a dedicated leader.
“The party has lost a powerful leader who played an important role during and after the liberation struggle,” he said.
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“It’s a great loss to the party and the country at large because his dedication to duty needs no emphasis. We are all in mourning at this time.”
MDC-T said Nkomo was a reconciliatory man who did not engage in politics of vengeance “like some of his colleagues in the party”.
“We are saddened by the death of VP Nkomo. He was a reconciliatory man and not a man of violence,” said MDC-T spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora.
“His politics was different from that of his colleagues which is that of blood.
“He was a reconciliatory man and befittingly he was leading the Organ on National Healing.”
MDC leader Welshman Ncube described Nkomo as a “gentleman among gentlemen”.
“As a party we are saddened by his passing on,” he said. “He was a unifying force and he will be remembered as a pillar of the liberation struggle. It is unfortunate that he passed away on the day we made a breakthrough in the constitutional impasse. We have his family in our prayers and encourage during this difficult time.”
In a statement, the United States embassy in Harare described Nkomo as a patriot who dedicated his life to the good of the country.
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Gideon Gono said: “The sad and untimely departure of our revered VP Nkomo is an incalculable loss to the nation . . .
“He was a businessman of impeccable repute and a father whose contribution to the progress and development of this country places him in a supreme category of departed heroes.
“His unassuming disposition of authority, knowledge, wisdom and rare credentials made him a personal friend of almost everybody he interacted with. He will be missed by many.”
