MPs remember VP Nkomo with humour

By The NewsDay | Feb. 21, 2013 | 2 Min read

MPs had the House of Assembly in stitches while debating a motion on condolences over the death of Vice-President John Nkomo.

REPORT BY VENERANDA LANGA

Legislators from across the political divide agreed Nkomo was a heroic figure and as to lighten the otherwise grave debate, they engaged in jest as a way to celebrate his life.

Magwegwe MP Felix Magalela Sibanda (MDC-T) said he was Nkomo’s look-alike and this had worked in his advantage as he was often mistaken for the late VP by police manning roadblocks. He was saluted and left to go without any hassles as a result, he said.

“Nkomo and I had a lot of similarities and there are times when I was mistaken for VP Nkomo while driving from Bulawayo and given VIP treatment — being given the green light (to proceed on his way) because of my physique and the way I do my beard which is similar to his,” said Sibanda.

Zanu PF Uzumba MP Simbaneuta Mudarikwa also brought the House down with laughter when he spoke about Nkomo and Christianity.

“I urge MPs to go to church during their spare time because some of you are well known to belong to the Johane masese (traditional beer) church. We need to build this nation out of love because Nkomo was one of the best flowers in the Kingdom of God. When some of you (MPs) die, people will not have anything good to say about you except to thank the people who would have dug the grave and the women who cooked at the funeral,” Mudarikwa said.

Matobo South MP Gabriel Ndebele (MDC-T) said Nkomo wanted to improve Matabeleland, but had been let down by his advisers who misled him by saying all was well and that there was a lot of development in the region.

Keep Reading

Bubi MP Clifford Sibanda (Zanu PF) hailed the late VP for building a school in Tsholotsho saying it would go a long way in upgrading the Khoisan in the area. The motion was moved by Zvishavane Runde MP Lawrence Mavima and seconded by Mhondoro Ngezi MP Bright Matonga (both Zanu PF).