THE late former Zanu PF politburo member and ex-Cabinet minister Sikhanyiso Ndlovu, who was 78, who died on Tuesday in Bulawayo has been declared a national hero and will be buried the National Heroes’ Acre on Saturday.
BY STAFF REPORTERS
President Robert Mugabe last night sent his condolences to the Ndlovu family, describing the former Information minister as a “leading veteran nationalist”, who sacrificed his life for the country’s independence and made immense contribution towards the education sector.
“He served as minister of government in a number of ministries, principally those of Education and Information, where he acquitted himself admirably,” Mugabe said.
The former PF-Zapu stalwart died at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo after suffering a stroke following an asthma attack.
Mugabe said Ndlovu shaped the country’s thinking on education, “ensuring this key gain of post-independence continues to be consolidated”.
Flags were at half-mast at several government and public buildings yesterday in anticipation of Ndlovu being conferred the hero status, as some thought it was “automatic”.
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Ndlovu launched his political career in Zapu, then under the leadership of the late former Vice-President Joshua Nkomo, and was responsible for training of war cadres in Zambia, according to Mugabe.
He was once jailed at Gonakudzingwa Open Prison because of his political activities.
In April 1995, Ndlovu was appointed Higher and Tertiary Education deputy minister until April 2000.
He was appointed Information and Publicity minister in 2007. In April 2014, he lost Zanu PF central committee elections in Bulawayo.
Meanwhile, Information minister Christopher Mushohwe yesterday sent a condolence message to the Ndlovu family, describing the late Zanu PF politician as an affable character.
“Cde Ndlovu was a true servant of the people who had dedicated his life to serving both his country and his fellow Zimbabweans the best way he knew how both in politics and his social life,” Mushohwe said.
Ndlovu was one of Mugabe’s few trusted hands in Bulawayo and was often referred to as the provincial political godfather.
Early this year, the former Information minister said in terms of seniority, he was only second to Mugabe and could not retire because he still had a job to do.
