Mugabe: Mandela showed selfless dedication to the service of his people

President Robert Mugabe has sent a message of condolences to his counterpart President Jacob Zuma of South Africa following the death of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

In a statement, President Mugabe said on behalf of the government and people of Zimbabwe, Zanu PF, and indeed on his own behalf, he would like to extend deep condolences to President Zuma, and through him, to the government and people of the Republic of South Africa, on the death of the great icon of African liberation, freedom fighter and the first President of a free, independent and democratic South Africa, Mandela on Thursday.

Mugabe said Nelson Mandela's renowned and illustrious political life, will forever remain a beacon of excellence.

He said not only was he a great champion of the emancipation of the oppressed, but Mandela was also a humble and compassionate leader who showed selfless dedication to the service of his people.

President Mugabe said Zimbabwe joins the rest of the nation in mourning his departure, adding that the late Nelson Mandela will forever remain in people's minds as an unflinching fighter for justice.

He also took the opportunity, to convey his deepest condolences to Mandela's wife, his children, grand children, and the entire Mandela family on this sad loss.