The late presidential advisor and disability rights advocate Joshua Malinga, who died on Friday, has been declared a national hero.
Malinga (79), who was also former Bulawayo executive mayor and Zanu PF politburo member died at his Richmond home in Bulawayo following a four-year battle with prostate cancer.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa confirmed Malinga’s national hero status in a statement on Monday night.
In a condolence message, Mnangagwa said the national hero status was conferred in respect of Malinga’s contribution to national development.
“I learnt with a deep sense of grief and sadness of the passing on last Friday of Cde Joshua Teke Malinga, following a brave fight against a malignant form of prostate cancer,” Mnangagwa said.
“In recognition of his distinguished role in the struggle for our independence, in the development of our nation since its inception, and in championing the cause of special interest groups in public policy and national development, the ruling Zanu PF party has unanimously decided to accord Cde Malinga national hero status.”
Born in Filabusi on April 20, 1944, Malinga lost the ability to walk following a polio attack at a tender age.
The late former Zanu PF politburo member Naison Khutshwekhaya Ndlovu, who was his relative, took him to Jairos Jiri Centre in Bulawayo, where he attended school and later learnt the shoe-making craft.
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At Jairos Jiri, Malinga distinguished himself and he went on to study at Mpopoma High School before securing a scholarship to study in England where he graduated with an accounting degree.
He joined PF Zapu and was active against the country’s racist minority rulers who oppressed the majority indigenous blacks.
Malinga has been vocal on disability and the marginalisation of Matabeleland which elevated him to national prominence leading him to be honoured with a seat in the Zanu PF politburo for many years.
Mnangagwa later appointed him presidential adviser on disability issues.
Bulawayo’s incoming mayor and former minister David Coltart described Malinga as his good friend despite being in opposing political parties.
“He became a good friend in the 1980s and 90s and has remained so since. I admired his courage under such affliction,” Coltart told journalists yesterday.
