CONDOLENCE MESSAGE
It is with heartbreaking shock that we woke up to the tragic news of Cde Patron Nketha’s untimely demise. While he had been noticeably unwell in recent weeks, we had never braced ourselves for his departure, focusing instead on urging him to get some rest and praying for his full recovery. I have worked with Cde Nketha for decades before formally coming to work together in our revived ZAPU. He was a soft-spoken, empathetic and reasonable Comrade. Nonetheless, he was a no-nonsense straight talker with a big heart and a long fuse but did not hesitate to express his full disapproval of things he did not agree with.
A dark cloud has fallen upon us. We have lost a National Hero. While it is a sad day for his family and all who knew him, I’m proud to have been associated with the inimitable Col Nketha. Our closeness was cemented when he became the Presidential Spokesperson, a role that demanded oneness and unity of purpose. He was a fountain of knowledge but humble to a fault. As a ZPRA veteran of the Liberation Struggle and decorated ZNA officer after independence, Col Nketha never boasted of his accomplishments. His wise counsel was always clothed in humility as he gently guided without steering. I’ll truly miss him.
My condolences go to the Nketha family, his ZPRA and ZNA colleagues, as well as the ZAPU family as a whole. This is such a heavy blow for us but we must honor his contributions by moving our party forward, united and solid. His clear statements and leadership style will continue to inform generations of ZAPU leaders in perennial succession. A hard worker has been promoted to glory auspiciously on Workers Day. We stand in salute of this great son of the soil. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Issued by:
Cde Michael Sibangilizwe Nkomo, ZAPU President