Institutions and leaders across various sectors have extended their condolences to the Mugabe family following the passing on of Zimbabwe’s former president Robert Gabriel Mugabe. Mugabe died in the early hours of Friday in a hospital in Singapore where he spent his last few months getting treatment.
The United States Embassy in Harare said that it was joining the whole world in reflecting on Mugabe’s contribution to the independence of Zimbabwe.
The president of Zambia, Edgar Lungu also mourned Mugabe describing him as the son of Africa. He added that Mugabe will be remembered for his fight for Africa’s liberation and fearlessly defending the continent.
Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Vangelis Haritatos, thanked Mugabe for his contribution in ending colonialism. He said that he was born in a free Zimbabwe because of “liberators” like Mugabe.
Like his party, opposition MDC leader, advocate Nelson Chamisa said that although he would not take any credit due to the late Mugabe, there were some areas they sharply disagreed. He also said that the time for reflecting on his legacy was coming, but now was the time for mourning.
Julius Sello Malema, the President of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters has also extended his condolences to Africa, Zimbabwe and Mugabe family in particular for losing a martyr of the African revolution.
Former education Minister and MDC Treasurer General, David Coltart said that Mugabe’s enduring legacy would be his role in fighting to end white minority rule in Zimbabwe and education. Coltart also noted that there were negatives including a culture of violence and impunity, disrespect for constitutionalism and the rule of law, corruption and abuse of office under his tenure which also will endure even after his departure.
Uhuru Kenyatta, the President of Kenya, also described Mugabe as a Pan Africanist and freedom fighter who played a significant role in shaping the interests of Africa as a continent.
Cyril Ramaphosa thanked Mugabe for being one of the African leaders who contributed towards the independence of South Africa from an apartheid regime.
More: Newziana