BULAWAYO residents, including war veterans and members of Ibhetshu LikaZulu, are mourning the death of Colonel (Rtd) Patron Khutshwekhaya Nketa Ndlovu, who died on Friday last week after a short illness.
A respected liberation war veteran, former senior Zipra commander and Ibhetshu LikaZulu board member, Ndlovu was widely regarded as a key figure in post-independence efforts to preserve liberation history, promote justice and advance peace-building initiatives.
His death has triggered tributes from comrades who describe him as both a mentor and a principled advocate for veterans’ welfare and historical documentation.
Mourners are gathered at number 6937 Pelandaba in Bulawayo, while burial arrangements are yet to be announced. Some Zipra war veterans are pushing for him to be declared a national hero.
Ibhetshu LikaZulu secretary-general Mbuso Fuzwayo said Ndlovu played a pivotal role in the organisation’s work, often chairing public meetings and contributing to memorialisation and peace-building programmes.
“Ibhetshu LikaZulu would not be the same without Col Nketa. He was a mentor and a compassionate resource person on the liberation struggle legacy and its true and noble values,” Fuzwayo said.
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A decorated veteran of the Rhodesian Bush War, Ndlovu was also active in civic and community advocacy after independence, aligning himself with grassroots movements calling for truth, equality, and justice.
“We have lost a leader, a brother, a father and a true patriot,” Fuzwayo said.
The organisation said his commitment to preserving liberation values and promoting dignity and justice would remain part of his legacy, extending condolences to his family and comrades.
A colleague, Makosi Bhebhe, said death had once again robbed the nation of a gallant son and fine Zipra commander.
“Not so long ago, we were mourning another fine and decorated Zipra commander, Soft Diet Magarasadza, whose remains were interred at the national shrine in Harare,” he said.
“Not only about two weeks ago did I speak with the now late colonel, but also went on to encourage each other on the need to proceed with this project and also ensure that in the process we raise the issue of the welfare of our liberation struggle veterans, which I consider my calling.”
Bhebhe said he was devastated by the loss, adding that Ndlovu’s wisdom and guidance would be deeply missed.
“I am deeply concerned that we are losing men and women with so much valuable Zipra history whose objectives were to have that documented for the benefit of future generations,” he said.
“I will forever cherish the good relationship that we have enjoyed since I have known him and it has been a true reflection of every Zipra comrade that I have come across since December 1976 to date.”