Former cabinet minister and Zanu PF Politburo member, Dr Sikhanyiso ‘Duke’ Ndlovu, who died on Tuesday has been declared a national hero and will be buried on Saturday at the national shrine it has been reported.
The Minister of Home Affairs, Ignatius Chombo confirmed to the ZBC News that President Robert Mugabe conferred Dr Ndlovu with national hero status after a unanimous decision and recommendation from the Politburo.
Zanu PF Politburo member, Joshua Malinga then announced the Politburo`s decision to the Ndhlovu family in Sunninghill, Bulawayo this Wednesday afternoon.
The province had submitted a request for him to be accorded the national hero status on Tuesday afternoon.
Malinga said the burial has been set for Saturday to give his children abroad enough time to travel back home.
“The body leaves for Harare on Friday as we prepare for burial on Saturday,” he said.
Dr Ndlovu`s wife, Dr Rose Ndlovu said her husband was a loving family man who was also passionate about education.
“He was a very supportive husband. He was unselfish and encouraged me to pursue my education,” said Dr Rose Ndlovu.
She went down memory lane and explained how she tried to get her husband released from detention at Gonakudzingwa by writing a letter to the then Minister of Home Affairs.
Former Zanu PF Governor for Matabeleland South Province, Angeline Masuku said Dr Ndlovu ensured that children in detention camps got an education back in the days of the liberation struggle.
“He made arrangements to import books for the schools. He is the one who made sure there were schools in camps and that qualified teachers stay in camps to teach,” said Cde Masuku.
Dr Ndlovu was born on the 4th of May in 1937 and his political life dates back to 1959 when he became a member of the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa.
Upon his return to Zimbabwe, he became chairperson for ZAPU Mpopoma district in 1962.
He is survived by his wife, Dr Rose, three children and seven grandchildren.
Mourners are gathered at house number 1 Layton road, Sunninghill in Bulawayo.
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