Joshua Nkomo was a towering figure in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and a foundational leader in the country’s political history. Born on June 19, 1917, in Semokwe, Matabeleland, Nkomo rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential nationalist leaders in Southern Africa. A member of the Kalanga ethnic group, he grew up in a deeply religious and disciplined environment, influenced by his father, a preacher. Nkomo attended missionary schools before studying social work at Adams College in South Africa. He later traveled to South Africa again to pursue higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work at the Jan Hofmeyr School in Johannesburg. During this time, he came into contact with various African nationalist movements, which profoundly influenced his political thinking.
Entry into Politics and Formation of ZAPU
Nkomo’s political journey began in the 1940s when he returned to Southern Rhodesia and became involved in labor movements. He worked as a social worker for the Rhodesia Railways and quickly became active in trade unionism. He rose to prominence as president of the African National Congress (ANC) of Southern Rhodesia in 1957, a unifying platform for African nationalists protesting against racial discrimination and colonial rule.
In 1961, after the banning of the ANC by the Rhodesian colonial government, Nkomo founded the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU). As the leader of ZAPU, Nkomo became a central figure in the fight for Zimbabwean independence. He advocated for majority rule and the end of white minority governance under Ian Smith’s regime.
Nkomo initially favored peaceful negotiations but later supported armed resistance after realizing that the colonial authorities were unwilling to grant concessions. ZAPU’s military wing, the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA), received training and support from the Soviet Union and other socialist countries. ZIPRA operated mainly in western Zimbabwe and carried out a series of guerrilla operations against Rhodesian forces.
Rivalry with Robert Mugabe and Political Challenges
The nationalist movement split in the 1960s due to ideological and ethnic tensions. Robert Mugabe, formerly a member of ZAPU, broke away to form the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) in 1963. ZANU’s military wing, the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA), and ZIPRA often operated independently and sometimes clashed, further complicating the liberation war.
Despite these divisions, Nkomo remained an influential leader. He was respected for his diplomatic demeanor and efforts to unite various factions. However, his political path was marred by harassment, imprisonment, and exile. He spent several years in detention and fled the country on multiple occasions due to threats to his life.
Role in Zimbabwe’s Independence
Nkomo was a key participant in the Lancaster House Conference in London in 1979, which brought an end to the Rhodesian Bush War and paved the way for Zimbabwe’s independence. When Zimbabwe achieved independence in 1980, Nkomo contested the general elections but lost to Robert Mugabe’s ZANU-PF. Nevertheless, he joined the new government as Minister of Home Affairs in an effort to promote unity.
Gukurahundi and Political Reconciliation
Tensions between ZAPU and ZANU persisted after independence. From 1983 to 1987, the Zimbabwean government launched a military operation known as Gukurahundi in Matabeleland, ZAPU’s stronghold, under the pretext of rooting out dissidents. Thousands of civilians, mainly Ndebele people, were killed. Nkomo was accused of plotting a coup and fled the country, though he later returned to negotiate peace.
In 1987, Nkomo signed the Unity Accord with Robert Mugabe, leading to the merger of ZAPU and ZANU into the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF). As part of the agreement, Nkomo became one of Zimbabwe’s two Vice Presidents, a position he held until his death.
Legacy and Death
Joshua Nkomo passed away on July 1, 1999, after a long illness. He is remembered as one of the founding fathers of Zimbabwe and a tireless advocate for the liberation of his people. Despite political setbacks and rivalry, his efforts helped shape the course of the country’s struggle for independence. Often called “Father Zimbabwe,” Nkomo is honored for his courage, leadership, and vision of a united and democratic nation.
He left behind a legacy of political resilience, reconciliation, and nation-building. His autobiography, The Story of My Life, published in 1984, remains a crucial account of Zimbabwe’s journey from colonial rule to independence. Today, Joshua Nkomo is revered not only for his contributions to politics but also for his role in championing peace and national unity in a deeply divided post-colonial society.