The country’s success is inevitable owing to the rich and
enduring legacy of “solid education”, the land reform programme and economic
empowerment initiatives laid by Cde Robert Mugabe, President Emmerson Mnangagwa
has said.
The onus of the new crop of leaders, he said, was to
continue the rich heritage of the continent’s founding fathers through
“challenging an unfair world, opposing injustice, racism and all forms of
oppression of man by man”.
In his tribute to the country’s founding father at a State
Funeral held at the National Sports Stadium in Harare yesterday, the President
said Cde Mugabe’s legacy is a springboard for economic development.
“As Zimbabwe, we shall ride on the education and high
literacy levels bequeathed to us by our late great teacher and educator.
“As a visionary, he understood the importance of solid
education, as well as science and technology in the future world. As Africa,
let us find our niche within the fast unfolding Fourth Industrial Revolution,
leveraging in our youthful population, abundant, untapped natural resources and
expansive combined market,” said President Mnangagwa.
“As Africa boldly operationalises the African Continental
Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), let us be emboldened by the ideas of the late Cde
Mugabe, who was one of the consistent champions of African unity,
industrialisation, intra-Africa trade, as well as regional and continental
integration.”
While rallying the international community to join the
growing advocacy for the removal of sanctions against Zimbabwe, the President
also applauded Sadc and the African Union (AU) for supporting the country in
its push to have the embargo lifted.
“There is no place in our modern world for unilateral
punitive sanctions imposed in pursuit of selfish interests, undue influence and
colonial-time expansionism. As we mourn our revolutionary icon, we call for the
unconditional and immediate lifting of the sanctions imposed on us.
“We invite the world to work and walk with us into a
brighter future for our people, our region and the continent. A Zimbabwe free
of the albatross of sanctions is indeed of greater benefit to the world,” he
said.
In his moving tribute to his predecessor, President
Mnangagwa described Cde Mugabe as a “giant African tree that has fallen”.
“He taught a generation, led a nation, inspired a
continent, spoke for the oppressed and defined the politics and economics of an
epoch. The man who lies before us was for years our leader, our commander,
mentor and President, both in the party and Government. . .
“Today, Southern Africa mourns the sad loss of front-liner.
Today, Africa weeps, grieving over the loss of a true Pan-African.”
Yesterday, Cde Mugabe was accorded the Last
Respect-National Salute, which is a combination of a fly past and a 21-gun
salute. It is the highest honour accorded in military tradition.
Ninety-five doves were released, signifying the 95 years
that Cde Mugabe lived, 37 of which he was leader of Zimbabwe.
President Mnangagwa said Cde Mugabe will be remembered by
future generations for his avid patriotism and Pan-Africanism.
“For years and generations to come, we shall continue to
draw inspiration from the life leadership, courage, valour and bravery of this
great man we here fondly called Gushungo. A trues statesman, who resolutely
defended our country throughout his life.”
He said President Mugabe alongside former President Kenneth
Kaunda of Zambia – who is now the only survivor among the crop of the founding
fathers – and other former Presidents Augustino Neto (Angola), Sir Seretse
Khama (Botswana), Samora Machel (Mozambique), Julius Mwalimu Nyerere (Tanzania)
“remain the symbol of Africa’s struggles for independence and statehood”.
President Mnangagwa said he was humbled by the huge
presence of several Heads of State,former heads of State and representatives of
several countries as this bore testimony to Cde Mugabe’s colossal global
influence.
“Among the mourners gathered here are many fellow comrades
from the region and continent and the world, who worked and fought alongside
our dearly departed father.
“There are elder Statesmen, Presidents and Prime Ministers;
great men and women, young and old, as well as dignitaries from all corners of
the world; pulled by the demise of this colossus, Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe.
Today, we all grieve together, feeling the void he has left behind.”
President Mnangagwa said during his lifetime, Cde Mugabe
was vilified and given “many false names” to present him in bad light, but he
remained a true African icon.
“But today, the truth is laid bare and open, we honour and
remember our late African icon in our own special way, demonstrating that he had many friends,
allies and followers.
“As he moves on from this life to another, his star rises;
it shines high and bright. We who remain shall continue to hear his rich,
brave, defiant and inspiring voice – which we grew accustomed to on various
international platforms – beyond his grave, encouraging and warning us to be
vigilant and astute; always guarding and protecting our freedom, our
independence and indeed our God-given resources.”
The land reform programme, President Mnangagwa said, will
“never be reversed” and will remain one of Cde Mugabe’s legacies as it
benefited more than 365 000 families.
The President also paid tribute to former First Lady Grace
Mugabe for standing by the late former President’s side during his illness.
“Allow me to thank the Former First Lady, Her Excellency
Amai Grace Mugabe, and the family for looking after and caring for our
commander during his illness, right through to the end.
“The fortitude, commitment and love you exemplified is
admirable and should forever be emulated . . . Be rest assured that you will
continue to have any support and that of my Government in these moments of
grief.” Sunday Mail
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