Kripper Peter Mliswa(Shumba)
Today, 30th June 2018, is a somber day that marks exactly one year since my father passed on. It is also one month before the upcoming elections set for the 30th July 2018 where both my sister Mary and myself will be contesting. This is a first for our family and as I reflect on the teachings of my father, I have no doubt that we will prevail and make him proud.
It will also be a striking victory where one, myself and the other Mary are both Independent and ZANUPF respectively.
Whilst celebrating a life well lived and in anticipation of success, it is an emotional time as I would have loved for TATA to have been here to share the experience. I am however grateful for the lessons learnt and the legacy that he left with us. I dedicate this election to my father and we are where we are because of his way of doing things. He was a free man who allowed us the freedom to be ourselves which is the reason why I focussed on my passion for sport. At that time it was a field that many indigenous parents shunned in favour of the more academic subjects. However with my parents support I had the confidence to explore the sports territory to my great satisfaction and success.
One of the things I vividly remembering him sharing with me was his sense of dedication and responsibility. He was ill and lying on his hospital bed but despite me saying that I wanted to stay by his side, he urged me to go and attend my meetings in Norton as I could not let down the people who had elected me. He stressed that it was more important for me to go to Norton than to see him lying there and I should prioritise my responsibilities in Norton.
His passing before he had the opportunity to visit Norton upon his return from England is a source of great regret but I know that his heart was in Norton.
I remember that during the Kingsdale saga, when things were at a peak, he was unwell but he insisted that I should go and fight for the people. I remember that vividly…”Go and fight for the Kingsdsle people” and I further remember recounting the incident to the residents of Kingsdale that my father had said that I must come and fight for you. When we triumphed he was happy and his words always ring in my ears and are a great source of motivation that keeps me fighting for the people with all my heart, soul, body and mind.
Norton will never be the same again because of that spirit in me. Whenever things may get tough and thoughts of quitting filter through my mind, I hear Baba’s voice echoing in my head……. “Go and fight for the Kingsdale people!” and my resolve is set, *I AM HERE TO FIGHT FOR THE NORTON PEOPLE and Zimbabwe at large*
That’s my contribution to my dad, Kripper Peter Mliswa, losing him is tough but that’s reality and I have kept on working hard to uphold his memory. He can be assured that we are looking after mum and I have stepped up my family responsibilities. We look forward to the unveiling of his tombstone on the 21st July 2018 where we will celebrate the life of a great man. His favourite song that has been playing in my head, “Munoziva kusasimba kwangu” the popular Methodist hymn makes me smile.
One year….thank you dad you were a great man Tat whose spirit lives on in your children and thus we can never fail.
*Temba Peter Mliswa*