Nkomo, Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo

Nkomo, Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo (b. 17 June 1917, d. 1 July 1999). Vice President of Zimbabwe 1990–99 Educated in South Africa where he joined the ANC (African National Congress), he returned to Bulawayo in Southern Rhodesia and became secretary-general of the Rhodesian Railways African Employees' Association. He was president of the Rhodesian branch of the ANC from 1957 until it was banned in 1959. He then founded the National Democratic Party in 1960 and, when that was banned, the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU). He was detained twice, 1962–4 and 1964–74. On release he led ZAPU's guerrilla campaign from Zambia, and in 1976 joined an uneasy alliance with Mugabe's ZANU to form the Patriotic Front. In the 1980 elections leading up to independence, ZAPU's support remained confined to the minority Matabele people, while Mugabe's overwhelming Shona support gave him a clear majority. He became Minister of Home Affairs, but in 1982 fell out with Mugabe, with whom he was reconciled only in December 1987 when he accepted the post of Minister for Local Affairs and Development. He also became vice-president of ZANU-PF (Patriotic Front) into which his ZAPU had merged. As Vice President, his influence was relatively slight, but his presence was an important prop for Mugabe.