Source: "Speeches through the years: Cde. Robert Gabriel Mugabe (Feb. 21, 1924- Present)", pgs. 84-85
Today, the 22nd of December, Zimbabwe celebrates 26 years of the signing of the Unity Accord. The accord cemented the unity of the two liberation movements that had gallantly fought side by side to liberate Zimbabwe.
The unity between the two liberation movements, long anticipated, finally materialised when the two signatories of the liberation of the two liberation parties, Zanu and Zapu, Robert Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo signed the Unity Accord on the 22nd December 1987.
I feel singularly honoured, therefore, as one the Unity Accord signatories, to be unveiling the statue of the other signatory, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, my co-partner in the Unity Accord which assured unity and peace in Zimbabwe.
The unveiling of the statue is immediately followed by the renaming of the Main Street after Dr Joshua Nkomo as well. As we commemorate this Unity Day, we do so to particularly remember the many key roles that Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo played in fighting for this country’s independence.
His clear vision and leadership were invaluable in shaping the new Zimbabwe, Umdala Wethu, Chibwechitedza, Mwana Wevhu, a true son of the soil.
Dr Joshua Nkomo was from a very early age involved in trade unionism. From the very beginning he was at the very centre of nationalist politics that ultimately culminated in the formation of Zipra and Zanla.
These are the liberation movements whose armed confrontation against the Smith regime resulted in the birth of the Zimbabwe we cherish today.
Like our ancestors before us, who had joined hands to liberate themselves by waging the First Chimurenga, the Second Chimurenga, of Zanu and Zapu, jointly fought the colonial system.
The Second Chimurenga was heavily inspired by the First Chimurenga, hence our constant references during the liberation struggle, to the legendary Mbuya Nehanda, Mukwati, Sekuru Kaguvi, King Lobengula and many other heroes of the First Chimurenga. Heroes of First Chimurenga gave our generation inspiration, and the determination to take up arms and fight our oppressors.
At independence, Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo was in the forefront of building a new Zimbabwe which was guided by the spirit of reconciliation. A just and democratic Zimbabwe, what we had all fought for, was always at the heart of Zimbabwe.
The statue we are gathered here to officially unveil and the street we have renamed, are the real story of Zimbabwe and Zimbabweans, our struggles and our aspirations as a people.
That story is embodied in the person of Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo. Both the statue and the renamed street commemorate and are a tribute to Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, for his leadership, his dedication and his ability to understand and translate the aspirations of Zimbabweans.
During his life, he pursued many national roles, before and after independence. The statue and renamed street reconnect us with Umdala Wethu.
They are a collective remainder that this country was not given on a silver platter. We fought a bitter armed struggle to get back our country. Never should we forget that. Taking back the land would be one sure way of making Mdala Wethu roll with joy in his grave!
The man whose statue we are unveiling today has always had the land issue at his heart. He was “Mwana Wevhu”, son of the soil. Umdala Wethu’s deathbed message remains vivid to me, to this day. He told me to continue the land reform programme and maintain the unity of the people.
The statue, a national monument, is therefore, part of the national heritage of Zimbabwe which embodies the national values and aspirations of Zimbabweans. The statue and the renamed street allow us to continuously reflect on where we stand as a nation, also to introspect on what we are doing, as people, vis-à-vis what Dr Joshua Nkomo stood for.
I take this opportunity, to thank all the people through whose combined effort, art, sculpture and architecture, contributed to the construction of the statue that we unveil today.
We note that an earlier attempt had not satisfied us that the statue was an accurate representation of the Joshua Nkomo that we know, a man of the people, a man that we honour and respect, a man who knew no tribalism nor regionalism. He was indeed immersed in unity.
As I now officially unveil this statue and rename this street, it is my expectation that we all view the two events and things as sources of inspiration, courage, unity of purpose and a national reference point for Zimbabweans as they continue to build and make a better Zimbabwe for present and future generations.
I declare this national monument unveiled and the street renamed accordingly.
I thank you.
Last updated: 20 Janaury 2026