Story by Sifiso Sibanda
THE Bulawayo leadership has spoken loudly about the works of national hero, Cde Makhethi Ndebele whose Umvukela/ Chimurenga name was Cde Jack Mpofu.
Those who worked with national hero, Cde Makhethi Ndebele have described him as a committed, dependable and trusted revolutionary who distinguished himself as a true patriot during the war of liberation and after independence.
In an interview on the sidelines of a church service at his home in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo this Sunday afternoon, the national hero’s colleagues who included war veterans said Cde Ndebele stood firm and unshaken even in the most difficult times of the struggle.
“Cde Mpofu trained us. He was a dedicated fighter who rose to become part of the ZIPRA high command and in that way, it is not a surprise that he has been recognised as a national hero,” said a colleague.
Another said, “While this is a sad moment in that Cde Mpofu has passed on, his works will be remembered, he distinguished himself as a hardened fighter, he was a loyal leader who must be remembered for his works.”
“As war veterans, we are happy that he was recognised and declared a national hero and this is comforting given that he is one of the high command members that were given support by the president recently,” added a colleague.
“As Bulawayo, we have given him a good and respectful send-off and this is very important given his contribution to the liberation and development of our country,” said Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Judith Ncube.
The body of the late national hero was later taken to the Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo International Airport where it was airlifted to Harare for burial at the national shrine Monday.
