President Mnangagwa hails Cde Mugabe as a Pan-African icon
PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA has paid tribute to the late founding leader of Zimbabwe, Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe, describing him as a “freedom fighter par excellence” and a frontline statesman whose legacy will be preserved.
In a message marking the sixth anniversary of Cde Mugabe’s death, President Mnangagwa said the nation joins the Mugabe family in honouring a revered revolutionary leader who fearlessly championed the political and economic emancipation of Southern Africa and the African continent.
“Cde Mugabe was a true son of the soil and an iconic liberation fighter who ushered Zimbabwe into independence in 1980, following a protracted armed liberation struggle against colonial rule,” he said.
“He endured eleven years of incarceration under the settler colonial regime and, upon his release, led the liberation struggle until final victory.”
The President highlighted Cde Mugabe’s pivotal role in spearheading the Land Reform Programme and indigenisation policies, which he said restored self-belief and dignity to Zimbabweans, building resilience in the face of illegal sanctions.
He also commended the late leader for broadening access to education and healthcare, particularly for marginalised communities, and for standing shoulder to shoulder with Africa’s greatest liberation icons, including Julius Nyerere, Kenneth Kaunda, Samora Machel and Nelson Mandela.
“As we remember our late President, the Second Republic once again re-dedicates itself to preserving the legacy of Cde RG Mugabe by winding up the successful National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1) and preparing for NDS 2, guided by the goal of building a free, democratic and prosperous society that leaves no one and no place behind,” said President Mnangagwa.
“May the soul of the late great freedom fighter and liberator, veteran nationalist, frontline statesman, fervent Pan-Africanist, champion of political and economic liberation of Africa, and a luminary leader, rest in eternal peace.”
Cde Mugabe, born on February 21, 1924, passed away on September 6, 2019 in Singapore. Sunday Mail
