Published by the government of Zimbabwe
11 July 2009
Harare — NATIONAL hero Cde Akim Ndlovu who died in Bulawayo last Sunday will be buried at the National Heroes' Acre today.
His body was expected in Harare last night.
"It will arrive in Harare at about 7:30pm. The body will lie in state at the morgue. At about 7am (today) it would be taken to Stodart Hall (Mbare)," said Co-Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi.
"After the necessary rituals, it would then be taken to the National Heroes' Acre for burial at around 10am."
Earlier in the day, a memorial service was held at Bulawayo's City Hall as thousands of people paid their last respects to the veteran nationalist.
Condolence messages continued to pour in yesterday with Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai consoling the Ndlovu family on their sad loss.
"Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai wishes to express condolences to the Ndlovu family following the sad passing of one of the founding commanders of Zipra, Akim.
"We join the nation in consoling the Ndlovu family and hope that they find solace from the fact that the whole nation shares in their grief," he said.
Zimbabwe's Ambassador to South Africa Cde Simon Khaya Moyo yesterday paid tribute to the late hero.
"Cde Akim Ndlovu was a commander of exceptional qualities, a man of enviable integrity, principled in thought and deed, a man of purpose, a dedicated servant of the revolution, a politician-cum-military strategist and indeed a son of the soil," he said.
Ambassador Moyo said he learnt of Cde Ndlovu's death with shock and dismay noting that it came soon after the nation observed the 10th anniversary of the death of Dr Joshua Nkomo.
The late Father Zimbabwe was Cde Ndlovu's commander- in-chief.
"He has departed but his deeds live forever. He nurtured the revolution, he travelled the struggle and he defeated the enemy with precision. Zimbabwe salutes such a humble and self-respecting commander," added Ambassador Moyo.
He described Cde Ndlovu as one "who never beat his chest for service to humanity, for liberating the nation's soul".
On Thursday, Zanu-PF national chairman Cde John Nkomo said Cde Ndlovu deserved national hero status considering his unwavering stance on the protection of the country's sovereignty.
Born in Mberengwa in 1932, Cde Ndlovu did his primary and secondary education at Masase and Dadaya missions respectively.
His political career dates back to 1960 when he joined the National Democratic Party as the chairman of the Iminyela branch of the youth wing in Bulawayo.
He was among the first groups to be recruited for military training and was involved in underground sabotage operations carried out by youths against the settler regime.
Cde Ndlovu was detained by the Special Branch several times, but refused to divulge any information pertaining to their activities.
In September 1963, he left for Zambia, then Northern Rhodesia, to join the armed struggle. The following year, Cde Ndlovu led a group comprising Cde Robson Manyika, Cde Ambrose Mutinhiri, Cde Albert Nxele and Cde Report Mphoko to the former Soviet Union.
He was co-opted as Member of Parliament for Matabeleland South after independence.
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