Nkomo statue was not approved

Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe has confirmed the removal of a controversial statue of Joshua Nkomo that had been erected in Maphisa ahead of national Independence Day celebrations.The statue, which had drawn criticism for its appearance, was reportedly installed overnight at the growth point, located about 100km south of Bulawayo – venue of this year’s main national commemorations.Nguluvhe said authorities acted swiftly to remove the structure after it emerged that it had been erected without official approval.”We don’t even know who had built and erected it there. It was put there at night. That’s why it was removed,” he said.According to the minister, the installation had not gone through any government-sanctioned processes, raising concerns over both its origin and compliance with national protocols governing public monuments.The incident has sparked debate, particularly given Nkomo’s stature as one of Zimbabwe’s foremost liberation figures.

The late nationalist leader, widely revered as “Father Zimbabwe,” remains a central figure in the country’s independence history.The timing of the statue’s appearance – on the eve of Independence Day celebrations – has further heightened public interest, with questions lingering over who commissioned it and why it was installed without authorisation.Authorities have not yet indicated whether investigations will be launched to identify those responsible. More on:#Nkomo,#Statue,#IndependenceJoin the discussionLoading comments…Enable JavaScript to view comments. Join the discussionLoading comments…Enable JavaScript to view comments.