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Mnangagwa pays tribute to Robert Mugabe
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President Emmerson Mnangagwa has paid tribute to the late founding leader of Zimbabwe, 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 Mugabe's passing, 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 wider African continent.
"Mugabe was a true son of the soil and an iconic liberation fighter who ushered Zimbabwe into independence in 1980, following a protracted armed struggle against colonial rule," the President said. "He endured eleven years of incarceration under the settler colonial regime and, upon his release, led the liberation struggle until final victory."
President Mnangagwa highlighted Mugabe's pivotal role in spearheading the Land Reform Programme and indigenisation policies, which restored self-belief and dignity to Zimbabweans, building resilience in the face of illegal sanctions. He also commended Mugabe for broadening access to education and healthcare, particularly for marginalised communities, and for standing alongside 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 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," President Mnangagwa added.
He concluded by wishing eternal peace for the late leader, describing him as a freedom fighter, veteran nationalist, frontline statesman, Pan-Africanist, and champion of Africa's political and economic liberation.
Robert Gabriel Mugabe was born on February 21, 1924, and passed away on September 6, 2019, in Singapore.
In a message marking the sixth anniversary of Mugabe's passing, 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 wider African continent.
"Mugabe was a true son of the soil and an iconic liberation fighter who ushered Zimbabwe into independence in 1980, following a protracted armed struggle against colonial rule," the President said. "He endured eleven years of incarceration under the settler colonial regime and, upon his release, led the liberation struggle until final victory."
"As we remember our late President, the Second Republic once again re-dedicates itself to preserving the legacy of 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," President Mnangagwa added.
He concluded by wishing eternal peace for the late leader, describing him as a freedom fighter, veteran nationalist, frontline statesman, Pan-Africanist, and champion of Africa's political and economic liberation.
Robert Gabriel Mugabe was born on February 21, 1924, and passed away on September 6, 2019, in Singapore.
Source - Sunday Mail
