Go Thee Well Our National Icon, Your Legacy Was Restored

07 SEP, 2019 - 00:09
Zimbabwe Chronicle

THE founding President of independent Zimbabwe, liberation struggle icon, elder statesman and pan-Africanist, Cde Robert Mugabe, died in Singapore yesterday, triggering national mourning and an outpouring of grief and eulogies from around the world.

He was 95.

We join the nation in mourning this giant of the our struggle for self-determination and hope his wife, Grace, children Bona, Robert Junior, Chatunga Bellarmine and the wider Mugabe family can find comfort in the fact that their tragic loss is shared by millions of Zimbabweans, our brothers in Africa and the generality of the oppressed people around the world whose lives resonated with what he stood for.

Announcing the sad news on his Twitter account yesterday morning, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, to whom former President Mugabe was both a father figure and mentor, said: “It is with the utmost sadness that I announce the passing on of Zimbabwe’s founding father and former President, Cde Robert Mugabe. Cde Mugabe was an icon of liberation, a pan-Africanist who dedicated his life to the emancipation and empowerment of his people. His contribution to the history of our nation and continent will never be forgotten. May his soul rest in eternal peace”.

Indeed, former President Mugabe was a colossus who presided over the liberation struggle and later ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years. He was one of the remaining liberation struggle stalwarts who initiated the fight against colonialism  in the 1960s and alongside the likes of Julius Nyerere, Kenneth Kaunda, Joshua Nkomo, Herbert Chitepo, Samora Machel, Sam Nujoma, Oliver Tambo and Nelson Mandela, they prosecuted wars of independence for much of southern Africa.

After Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, then Prime Minister Mugabe forged strong ties with other Frontline States in Sadc and together they fought for the liberation of the remaining colony of Namibia and the end of apartheid in South Africa. Wherever he went, former President Mugabe spoke strongly against imperialism and advocated for the political and economic emancipation of black people. He was very popular across the African continent and was respected across the globe because of his principled stance against colonialism and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the poor and downtrodden.

In bodies such as the Non-Aligned Movement which emerged as a direct consequence of the dominance of the United States, Britain and their allies on global issues, former President Mugabe was influential, counted in the same mould as the late Fidel Castro of Cuba. His speeches at the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations were fiery and captivating, often laced with barbs and diatribes against former colonial master Britain which reneged on its pledge to fund the land reform programme.

Cde Mugabe’s legacy is that of a liberator, educationist (for his much vaunted policy of free education for all after independence), economic emancipator for embarking on the land reform programme which empowered the majority black people of Zimbabwe and the indigenisation and economic empowerment programme.

As Zimbabwe bids farewell to this icon of the struggle, it is apt to mention that his legacy has been restored by his peers and comrades in Zanu-PF who in 2017 initiated Operation Restore Legacy during which the Zimbabwe Defence Forces intervened to weed out criminal elements who had surrounded the former President. The G40 element, which had literally captured Cde Mugabe and the Presidency through his wife Grace, was besmirching his legacy through their corrupt tendencies and hounding of the former President’s trusted lieutenants.

There was a clear and sinister plan to rid the ruling party of the liberation struggle element and its replacement with young Turks with a hunger for power and money.

We pay tribute to the ZDF for stopping them in their tracks and protecting the legacy of our founding father. Zanu-PF remains strong and united with its ethos and values still steeped in the principles of the liberation struggle —something the former President would have been proud of.

To his credit, President Mnangagwa remained calm and accorded Cde Mugabe the respect he deserved to his grave despite naked provocation and persecution by the G40 prior to November 2017. This was because of the strong bond the two shared for close to five decades from their days in the struggle.

Cde Mugabe was taken care of by the State with his medical bills paid by the Government. President Mnangagwa personally checked on the former President on a regular basis and kept the nation updated on his condition. We applaud him for his humility and compassion.

We also believe Cde Mugabe would have been proud of his protégé’s stewardship of the country where he has managed to stabilise the economy and steer it towards an upper middle income status by 2030.

Despite the current birth pangs signalling the dawn of a new economy, President Mnangagwa is on track to achieving his goals which will ensure that the legacy of the First Republic, presided over by Cde Mugabe, is restored in the fullness of time.

Go Thee Well Son of the Soil.

Founder, Liberator, National Hero

07 SEP, 2019 - 00:09
Farirai Machivenyika
Senior Reporter
Zimbabwe Herald

Former President Robert Gabriel Mugabe (95), who died in Singapore early yesterday morning, has been declared a national hero. President Mnangagwa — who cut short his trip to South Africa where he was attending the World Economic Forum (WEF) — announced the national hero status while addressing the media at State House in Harare yesterday evening.

Earlier, the ruling Zanu-PF had met at an extraordinary session at the party’s headquarters in Harare to deliberate on the former leader’s status.

“Zanu-PF, which the late departed helped found, has met and accorded him national hero status which he earned and richly deserves,” eulogised President Mnangagwa.

“Let me also register the gratitude of Government and the entire nation to the Government and people of the Republic of Singapore for the unmatched hospitality and medical care they extended to our leader up to the very end.

“In particular, we are most grateful to the team of medical experts and support staff which cared for him with such great diligence, dedication and compassion. They did all they could up to the very end.”

He also declared days of national mourning until the former President’s burial.

“As we await the arrival of the remains of our dear departed icon, we pray that the good Lord grant him mercies, putting his dear soul to eternal rest.

“We as Zimbabweans declare days of mourning of our leader until he is buried,” he said.

The President added that the death of former President Mugabe had left a void in the nation and a legacy of adherence to the rights of Africans.

“A veteran nationalist and a doughty pan-Africanist fighter, Cde Mugabe bequeaths rich and indelible legacy of tenacious adherence to principle on the collective rights of Africa and Africans in general, and in particular, the rights of the people of Zimbabwe for whom he gave his all to help free.

“In his life and political career met and melded key phases, moods and shifts in the story of our national struggle and quest for freedom and statehood including the tragedies, pains and rigours which underwrote that epic story.

“Incarcerated for 11 years in settler colonial prisons he, alongside fellow nationalists who include the late Father Zimbabwe Cde Joshua Nkomo, remained unbowed and resolute, eventually escaping from the then Rhodesia in 1974 in order to lead and guide the resumption and escalation of our war of liberation at a time of its tragic setbacks and paralysis,” said President Mnangagwa.

He said under former President Mugabe, the struggle regained momentum and consolidated the Patriotic Front into a formidable coordinated national liberation movement that waged a gruelling and protracted struggle in the Southern Africa region.

President Mnangagwa added that the freedom being enjoyed in the country since 1980, was because of sacrifices of a generation of nationalists and freedom fighters pre-dating the 1960s, who included the late Cde Mugabe.

“A great teacher and mentor, the bitterness of long spells in incarceration and anguish of a brutal and bitter war, never extinguished Cde Mugabe’s forgiving inner humanity,” said President Mnangagwa.

“That humanity shone and undiminished throughout that season of war and forcefully asserted itself by way of the signature policy of national reconciliation on which our whole Statehood was founded and built. Through that policy of forgiveness Southern African politics took a definitive shift towards a just, post-colonial multiracial harmony, which would be replicated elsewhere in our region and beyond.

“He thus wrote a lasting page on nation-building and statecraft for the world, making him stand out as such a remarkable statesman of our century.”

President Mnangagwa said the late former President would also be remembered for post-independence transformations in areas of rights, education and social services for the hitherto marginalised black Zimbabweans including the bold and historic land reform programme.

“Through this programme, indigenous Zimbabweans regained their long denied land rights, to complete their sovereignty. For that he was especially vilified, shunned and punished by those who stood to lose from an end to colonial ‘rights’ and from a just reassertion of African rights.

“With characteristic defiance, he stood firm and undaunted, resolutely pressing on with the land reform programme to completion, all against formidable odds which included punitive sanctions and other reprisals that followed and which still dog us to this day.

“Today Zimbabwe’s land question, itself a principal grievance of our struggle, stands fully and irrevocably addressed and resolved. History will remember him for this bold move,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said Government remained committed to carry forward former President Mugabe’s aspirations.

“As we mourn the passing on of our commander, liberator, founder and leader, we remain determined to carry forward the transformation so fervently desired, including the transformation, including protecting and defending the gains of the struggle for which he made huge sacrifices.

“On the bedrock and solid foundation for the First Republic which he moulded as its leader, we today recover and grow our economy, brick by brick until his lifelong vision of an empowered people is realised,” said President Mnangagwa.

The President extended his “deepest, heartfelt condolences to former First Lady Grace Mugabe, the Mugabe family and the children “on this their saddest loss”.

“Amai Mugabe stood by her husband to the very end, thus imparting to our nation a lasting lesson on devout love and care. For that we deeply thank her, as we join her in the grief and loss and bereavement which is also ours to feel and bear,” he said.

Don’t Judge Mugabe on Last Days: General Sibanda

07 SEP, 2019 - 00:09
Paidamoyo Chipunza
Herald Reporter

Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces General Philip Valerio Sibanda has said whatever happened during former President Cde Robert Mugabe’s last days should not be used to tarnish all the good he did for the nation.

Gen Sibanda said this as he sent the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) condolence message to the Mugabe family, the Zimbabwean population and the whole African continent, following the death of Cde Mugabe yesterday morning.

In an interview with the media at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Gen Sibanda said Cde Mugabe played his part during the liberation struggle.

“It is a very sad day indeed for Zimbabwe Defence Forces and Zimbabwe in general. I received the news early this morning.

“He played his part in the liberation of this country and in moving this country from colonialism at Independence to where we are today.

“Whatever happened towards the end of his leadership should not be used to rubbish the good things that he did during his life,” said Gen Sibanda.

Led by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces under an operation code named “Operation Restore Legacy”, the late former President stepped down in November last year following pressure from different angles of the society.

Events that led to his resignation started with a televised address held on November 15 from which the ZDF set in motion Operation Restore Legacy.

In this address, the ZDF indicated that it was “targeting criminals around President Mugabe, who were committing crimes that were causing social and economic suffering”.

Between November 15 and 20, the former President negotiated his exit from office with Roman Catholic Church cleric Father Fidelis Mukonori playing the intermediary role.

On November 18, hordes of Zimbabweans from all walks of life marched from Gwanzura Stadium in Highfield, Harare, to the city centre.

On the other hand, Parliament begun legal processes to impeach President Mugabe at a joint sitting of the Senate and the National Assembly held on November 21.

Before completion of this process and on the same day, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Advocate Jacob Mudenda announced President Mugabe’s resignation, bringing to an end his 37 years of power.

World Leaders Mourn Mugabe

 07 SEP, 2019 - 00:09
Kudakwashe Mugari
Deputy News Editor

World leaders mourned former President Robert Gabriel Mugabe who died in Singapore yesterday morning, describing him as a true pan-Africanist and liberation fighter.

He was 95.

Cde Mugabe attended the formation of the then Organisation of African Unity in 1963, now African Union (AU) as an invitee.

AU chairperson Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who is also the President of Egypt, said: ‘‘It is with immense sadness that I learnt of the passing of Zimbabwe’s former President Robert Mugabe. My sincere condolences to his family and the Zimbabwean people as we mourn an iconic liberation fighter, pan-Africanist in the struggle for liberation and continental integration.’’

China, through its foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang, said Cde Mugabe was an outstanding liberation movement leader and statesman who defended his country’s independence, opposed foreign interference and promoted good cooperation with China.

China is Zimbabwe’s all-weather friend.

“We are deeply saddened by his passing and express sincere sympathies to the Zimbabwean people, Government and to Mr Mugabe’s family,” he said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa mourned the passing on of Cde Mugabe and said he inspired South Africa’s struggle against apartheid and instilled hope that one day South Africa too would be free.

“South Africans join the people and Government of Zimbabwe in mourning the passing of a liberation fighter and champion of Africa’s cause against colonialism.

“Under President Mugabe’s leadership, Zimbabwe’s sustained and valiant struggle against colonialism inspired our own struggle against apartheid and built in us the hope that one day South Africa too would be free,’’ he said.

“During the decades of our own struggle, Zimbabwe’s liberation movement supported our own liberation movement to fight oppression on multiple fronts.

“After Zimbabwe achieved independence, the apartheid state brutalised and violated Zimbabwe as punishment for supporting our own struggle,’’ he added.

Namibian President Hage Geingob, who is the immediate past SADC Chair, weighed in and said Namibians owed Cde Mugabe a debt of gratitude.

“As Namibians, we owe President Mugabe a deep sense of gratitude for his immense and selfless contribution to the liberation of our country   …The loss of the people of Zimbabwe."

Meanwhile, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta declared three days of mourning the death of former Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe (95) and ordered flags in that country to be flown at half-mast beginning today up to Monday.

In a statement, President Kenyatta said the honour was a sign of respect for a “shining beacon” of Africa’s liberation struggle and an African hero.

“In this moment of sorrow, my thoughts and prayers go out to his family, his relatives and the people of Zimbabwe who, for many years, he served with commitment and dedication.

“Words cannot convey the magnitude of the loss as former President Mugabe was an elder statesman, a freedom fighter and a Pan-Africanist who played a major role in shaping the interests of the continent … a man of courage who was never afraid to fight for what he believed in even when it was not popular’’President Kenyatta said.

“As a mark of respect for the memory of this African hero and friend of our country, by the authority vested in me as President of the Republic of Kenya, I hereby order and direct that the flag of the Republic of Kenya shall be flown at half-mast at the State House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Republic of Kenya and throughout the Republic of, ’’ he said

“Yesterday, the 6th of September, 2019, Kenya has lost a close friend following the passing of H.E. Comrade Robert Gabriel Mugabe. I take this opportunity on my own behalf that of my family and the people of the Republic of Kenya to offer my deepest heartfelt condolences to Mrs Grace Mugabe, the entire family and the people of the great Republic of Zimbabwe,’’President Kenyatta said

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson,spokesperson also sent a condolence message,adding that; “His resignation in 2017 marked a turning point and we hope that today marks another which allows Zimbabwe to move on from the legacy of its past and become a democratic, prosperous nation that respects the human rights of its citizens.”

Tanzanian President John Magufuli said “Africa has lost one of its bravest and Pan-Africanist leaders, who led by example in opposing colonialism.”

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari in a statement said the late Mugabe will be remembered for the sacrifice he made for the struggle of political and economic emancipation of his people.

“The President commiserates with family members, friends and political associates of the political activist who fought for the independence of the country from colonial rule, and lived most of his life in public service.’’

“President Buhari believes Mugabe’s sacrifices, especially in struggling for the political and economic emancipation of his people, will always be remembered by posterity,’’reads the statement

Ugandan president Yoweri Kaguta Museveni said the continent had lost a great son of Africa.

‘‘I learnt this morning about the passing of an African liberation icon & great Pan-Africanist, His Excellency Robert Mugabe. I join President Mnangagwa the people of Zimbabwe and the entire African continent in mourning the demise of this great son of Africa. May his soul rest in peace,’’he said.

China through its foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said Mugabe was an outstanding liberation movement leader and statesm a for Zimbabwe who had defended his country’s independence, opposed foreign interference and promoted good cooperation with China.

Former Mozambique President Samora Machel widow Graca Machel said Mugabe was a brother to her.

“He was like a brother to me, I knew him very well. When Samora was killed, I came running and I stayed in this country, he gave me and my children some shelter to stay.

“I also came here to mourn Sally Mugabe with him, he is my brother.”she said.

Academics Salute Former President

07 SEP, 2019 - 00:09
Yeukai Karengezeka
Herald Correspondent

Academics across the country have described Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe as a true Pan-Africanist who will always be remembered for his works in the development of the country’s educational system. University of Zimbabwe (UZ) Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Mapfumo described Cde Mugabe as a leader who championed the vibrant education system in the country.

“His death is a great loss to the nation,” he said.

“Former President Mugabe is the founding father of our nation.

“He championed our great education system that we are all proud of as a nation. He was vital in the setting up of a vibrant education system. We now have diversified disciplines.

“During his era, we also saw the growth of universities and we applaud him for that.”

Great Zimbabwe University  (GZU) Vice Chancellor Professor Rungano Zvobgo said Cde Mugabe will always be remembered for his educational policies.

“We have lost an icon, freedom fighter, a liberator, committed Pan-Africanist and one who set the pace of politics in Southern Africa,” he said.

“He will be remembered for the many policies and programmes he introduced in the country in the areas of education, health and community service.”

Constitutional law expert and University of Zimbabwe law lecturer Professor Lovemore Madhuku said it was time for the nation to cherish the good things Cde Mugabe was able to achieve during his era.

He said he was grateful for the scholarship he received from the former president to advance his education.

“My parents are poor peasants in Chipinge,” said Prof Madhuku.

“They could not have afforded to pay for my university education.

“Under the leadership of Robert Gabriel Mugabe, the Government of an independent Zimbabwe paid for my university education.  My generation benefited from that vision.”

Lupane State University director of marketing and communication Mr Zwelithini Dhlamini said the former president emancipated black people with his stance on education for all.

“The former president was our first chancellor, and his passing on is a sad loss to us,” he said. “He is the founding father of our nation and he was part of the people who sacrificed comfort of their careers and fought the liberation struggle.

“He created an educational system which enabled black people to access education regardless of their status.”

Condolences Pour in For Ex-President

07 SEP, 2019 - 00:09 
Tendai Rupapa
Senior Reporter
Zimbabwe Herald

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa has mourned former President Robert Gabriel Mugabe, saying he was pivotal in shaping Zimbabwe’s history through his dedication to the independence and development of the country.

Minister Mutsvangwa said the nation was “deeply saddened” by the passing on of Cde Mugabe, adding that no history could be written in the country without mentioning his name.

“Clearly, he dedicated his life to making sure that Zimbabwe becomes independent.

“He was committed to the revolution right from the start and we gained our Independence in 1980,” she said.

Minister Mutsvangwa said Cde Mugabe played a pivotal role in economically emancipating black people by spearheading the land reform programme that was meant to correct land imbalances.

“The people of Zimbabwe will never forget Cde Robert Mugabe, especially when he spearheaded the land reform, the bone of contention in the liberation struggle.

“We are really saddened as a country,” she said.

Minister Mutsvangwa said Cde Mugabe played a fatherly role to her during the liberation war.

“We did not have our parents during the liberation struggle, but he played a fatherly role which we all enjoyed. May his soul rest in peace.”

Cde Mugabe is an icon of liberation and a Pan-Africanist who devoted his life to the empowerment of Zimbabweans.

He left an unflinching liberation legacy, which endures even as Zimbabwe mourns his demise.

The National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) also described Cde Mugabe as a liberator who fought against inequalities and British colonialists.

In a statement, NPRC chairperson Retired Justice Selo Nare said they had learnt of Cde Mugabe’s death “with great sadness”.

“The NPRC extends its heartfelt condolences to the Mugabe family, President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe for the sad and untimely departure of the liberation icon, mentor and Pan-Africanist.

“The life of Cde Mugabe came to epitomise the new African — who, having shrugged off the colonial yoke, would strive to ensure his country took its rightful place amongst the community of nations: firmly in charge of its own destiny,” said Justice Nare.

He added that his courage and commitment to reconciliation and to the Constitution were an inspiration not only to Zimbabweans, but for the whole world.

“We believe that his example will live on and that it will continue to inspire all Zimbabweans to achieve his vision of non-racialism, justice, human dignity and equality for all,” said Justice Nare, adding that Cde Mugabe would be remembered for extending an olive branch to his white oppressors at Independence in 1980.

The Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri also extended heartfelt condolences to Cde Mugabe’s wife, Grace, the Mugabe family and the nation at large.

She said ZDF shall forever cherish Cde Mugabe’s invaluable contribution to nation building.

“The ministry extends its heartfelt condolences to Mai Grace Mugabe, the Mugabe family and the nation at large following the death of Zimbabwe’s founding father and former President Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe in Singapore yesterday,” she said.

“The late former President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces is a liberation war icon, a Pan-Africanist, who dedicated his life to the emancipation and empowerment of the indigenous majority of his people.

“Through his astute leadership, he successfully guided the delicate military integration process of the three former liberation war belligerents comprising two liberation forces (ZANLA and ZIPRA) and the settler colonial army soon after the country attained Independence in 1980,” said Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri.

Nation Pays Tribute to Mugabe

07 SEP, 2019 - 00:09
Herald Reporters

There was an outpouring of emotions yesterday as the nation mourned former President Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe, who died in Singapore yesterday. Senior Government and Zanu-PF officials, and ordinary Zimbabweans spoke glowingly about the role that Cde Robert Mugabe played in the nation.

Zanu-PF Manicaland chairperson Cde Mike Madiro, who is also the Home Affairs Deputy Minister said: “I am really saddened to hear of the passing on of our former President. I think you are aware that the late Robert Gabriel Mugabe was our icon.

“He led the revolution to liberate this country for a very long time and to the young people of Manicaland and Zimbabwe as a whole, it is a sad loss.”

Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) Manicaland chairperson Gift Kagweda said Cde Mugabe was a true revolutionary.

“We came back together from the liberation struggle, even though he went his own way here and there, he was a true revolutionary. He was the founder of the Zimbabwean revolution.

“As a leader, he came with the freedom that we are enjoying today. He was the first (Executive) President and Prime Minister for Zimbabwe,” he said.

People interviewed in Bindura said the country had lost a liberator, who sacrificed his life to see an independent Zimbabwe.

In his home province, Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial chairman Cde Ziyambi Ziyambi said the province was poorer without the liberation icon.

“This is a great loss to the people of Mashonaland West Province, the people of Zimbabwe and Africa as a whole. He is our liberation icon and founding father whom we shall cherish and respect to eternity,” said Cde Ziyambi.

Minister of State for Mashonaland West Mary Mliswa-Chikoka said Zimbabwe had lost a legend who has left a legacy of education and empowerment of the black majority.

“Indeed, a dark cloud is upon us as a province and as a nation. The sad news of the passing on of our founding father Cde RG Mugabe pierced our hearts today (yesterday) as we woke up to a black Friday.

President of the Chiefs Council Chief Fortune Charumbira, who was attending the installation of Chief Kanzangarare in Hurungwe yesterday said the history of Zimbabwe will never be complete without the name of former President Mugabe.

“Representing all the chiefs in the country, I would like to say we are greatly saddened with the passing on of former President Mugabe as announced by President Mnangagwa this morning.”

Minister of State for Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs and Devolution, who is also a Zanu-PF Politburo member Monica Mavhunga, said as a province they were saddened by Cde Mugabe’s death.

“We join the rest of the world in mourning our former President. He did a lot for this country and we have lost a great leader.

“We will continue to cherish the good works which he did for the country and this province in particular,” said Minister Mavhunga.

Mashonaland Central provincial war veterans chairman Cde Sam Parirenyatwa said no one can wash off Cde Mugabe’s contributions to Zimbabwe.

“As a country, we should celebrate his death because it is rare to have such a charismatic leader. He represented the country very well, especially at international summits and events and was not afraid to speak out his mind,” he said.

A Bindura resident Mr Johannes Phiri said Cde Mugabe’s contributions to the causes of Zimbabweans are well-documented. Mrs Josephine Jera said Cde Mugabe championed the empowering of blacks and should be remembered for that.

Former Masvingo Governor and secretary for Production and Labour in the Zanu-PF Politburo Cde Josaya Hungwe paid tribute to Cde Mugabe, who he said was a towering figure in the country’s fight for autonomy.

Cde Hungwe suggested that Cde Mugabe deserved a place among other dear departed heroes whose remains were interred at the National Heroes Acre.

“Death is a fact of life, but he has left a legacy. He was one of the founding fathers of our nation and the longest-serving leader who led both Zanu and Zanu-PF.”

“Cde Mugabe was a true champion of black empowerment and he so much treasured the right for Africans to determine and chart their own course. He restored dignity to black people. He deserves his place at the National Heroes Acre,” said Cde Hungwe.

Zanu-PF Masvingo provincial spokesperson Cde Ronald Ndaba said there was no doubt that Cde Mugabe was a hero, not only for Zimbabwe, but for the entire African continent.

Masvingo war veterans provincial chair Cde Tendeukai Chinooneka also described Cde Mugabe as an icon of black empowerment for leading the epoch-making land reform programme that saw tens of thousands of previously marginalised Zimbabweans getting land.

Chairperson of Masvingo Chiefs Assembly Chief Chitanga (Felani Chauke) said Zimbabwe’s struggle for Independence was synonymous with Cde Mugabe’s name.

Reformed Church University Vice Chancellor Professor Obert Maravanyika mourned Cde Mugabe, hailing him for shepherding Zimbabwe’s development into an educational giant on the African continent.

Professor Maravanyika said Cde Mugabe was not only a politician and nationalist, but also an academic who had deep passion for education.

Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe national co-ordinator Bishop Lyphet Matenda of Zion Christian Church-Kumuka Kuvakafa said Cde Mugabe should be credited for giving dignity to indigenous churches. Commercial Sugarcane Farmers Association of Zimbabwe chair Cde Admore Hwarare said Cde Mugabe was a giant figure in the struggle for equitable distribution of land in Zimbabwe.

In Matebeleland South, Beitbridge residents said the nation had been robbed of an icon, statesman and liberation war hero who fought tirelessly to end white supremacy ruling in Zimbabwe.

“He made major personal contributions and sacrifice to the country’s struggle and to building of educational, health and other institutions in our country as a whole,” they said.

Kenyatta Declares National Mourning, Flags to Fly at Half-mast to Recognize Mugabe Legacy

In a statement to newsrooms on Friday, Kenyatta (pictured) said the directive will be a mark of respect for the memory of an African hero and a friend of Kenya/FILE – PSCU

By NJOKI KIHIU, NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 6 – President Uhuru Kenyatta has ordered flags to be flown half- mast from Saturday morning until Monday in honor of the fallen former Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe.

In a statement to newsrooms on Friday, Kenyatta said the directive will be a mark of respect for the memory of an African hero and a friend of Kenya.

The Head of State further added, Mugabe spent a lifetime challenging Africa to find its place and voice among the Community of Nations and stand tall thus he has left an indelible mark in the African continent.

“Kenya has lost a close friend, following the passing of H. E. Comrade Robert Gabriel Mugabe.  I take this opportunity on my own behalf, that of my family and the people of the Republic of Kenya to offer my deepest heartfelt condolences to Mrs Grace Mugabe, the entire family and the people of the great Republic of Zimbabwe,” Kenyatta said.

“I hereby order and direct;- that the flag of the republic of Kenya shall be flown at half-mast at the state house and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the republic of Kenya and throughout the republic of Kenya from dawn on Saturday the 7th September, 2019 until sunset, on Monday the 9th September, 2019,” a directive dispatched by the Presidential Strategic Communication Unit read.

Kenyatta had earlier on Friday led Kenyans in mourning the death of Mugabe who passed away Friday morning aged 95.

The Head of State described Mugabe as a courageous leader who was never afraid to fight for what he believed in even when it was not popular.

Former President Mwai Kibaki said the death of Mugabe has marked an end of an era in Africa.

Kibaki, in his message of condolence, added that Mugabe’s demise closes the chapter of African founding presidents whose commitment to the continent remains remarkable.

“His share of downsides aside, Mugabe, no doubt, stood for the greater good of Africa. His unrelenting quest for a free   Africa stood   out. Despite the sentiments of those who serially vilified him, Mugabe will be best remembered for courageously   defending the dignity of the African people. Embedded in his story are valuable lessons worth celebrating,” Kibaki said.

Mugabe who hospitalized in Singapore for months for an undisclosed ailment has been in ill health since his ouster and humiliating fall from office in November 2017.

He was succeeded by Emmerson Mnangagwa 

Kenya to Fly Flag at Half-mast to Honor Mugabe

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6 2019
Kenya Daily Nation
   
It's all smiles as Zimbabwean President Robert Gabriel Mugabe is welcomed by his Kenyan counterpart Daniel Toroitich arap Moi at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. FILE PHOTO | MAXWELL AGWANDA

In Summary
Uhuru Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki and Daniel arap Moi remember Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe as a hero.

President Kenyatta orders flying of national flag half-mast on Saturday to Monday in honour of Robert Mugabe.

Former president Mwai Kibaki termed the demise of Mugabe as the end of an era in Africa.

By SARAH NANJALA

Kenyan leaders have paid tributes to Robert Mugabe following his death at the age of 95, announced on Friday.

Mugabe was Zimbabwe's first president after independence and ruled the country for 37 years before he was ousted in a military coup two years ago.

President Uhuru Kenyatta in his condolence messages said Mugabe would be remembered as a man of courage who was never afraid to fight for what he believed in even when it was not popular.

“In this moment of sorrow, my thoughts and prayers go out to his family, his relatives and the people of Zimbabwe who, for many years, he served with commitment and dedication,” a statement by President Kenyatta reads.

“Words cannot convey the magnitude of the loss as former President Mugabe was an elder statesman, a freedom fighter and a Pan-Africanist who played a major role in shaping the interests of the African continent,” he added.

END OF AN ERA

Former president Mwai Kibaki termed the demise of Mugabe as the end of an era in Africa.

“It closes the chapter of Africa’s founding presidents whose commitment to the emancipation of the people of Africa remains enduringly remarkable. His share of downsides aside, Mugabe, no doubt, stood for the greater good of Africa,” he said.

Mwai Kibaki and Robert Mugabe

Mr Kibaki's predecessor Daniel arap Moi, who marked his 95th birthday on Monday, mourned his fellow nonagenarian describing him as a legendary fighter in dismantling bastions of colonialism in Africa.

In his message, Mzee Moi recalled how Mugabe suffered long prison terms in the then Rhodesia in pursuit of freedom of his people and restoration of the dignity of the African personality.

Mugabe was imprisoned in 1964 and spent 10 years in jail. Rhodesian leader Ian Smith denied him leave to attend his four-year-old son's funeral who had died while he was behind bars.

“Alongside such compatriots as Joshua Nkomo, Leopold Takawira, James Chikerema and Ndabaningi Sithole, Mugabe brought down the seemingly indomitable hardline and racist regime of Ian Smith,” Mzee Moi noted.

He said Mugabe had etched for himself a station of honour in the history of the struggle for the emancipation of the oppressed.

China Pays Tribute to Mugabe

Agencies
2019/9/6 22:13:40

China paid tribute to Zimbabwe's ex-president Robert Mugabe, after the former guerrilla leader died on Friday at the age of 95.

"Mugabe was an outstanding national liberation movement leader and statesman of Zimbabwe," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang at a press briefing in Beijing on Friday.

"Throughout his life, he has firmly defended the sovereignty of his country, opposed foreign interference, and actively promoted China-Zimbabwe and China-Africa friendship and cooperation," said Geng.

Mugabe's death was announced by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

"It is with the utmost sadness that I announce the passing on of Zimbabwe's founding father and former President, Cde [Comrade] Robert Mugabe," a post on President ­Emmerson Mnangagwa's official Twitter account said.

Mugabe, who led Zimbabwe to independence in 1980, was one of the most polarizing figures in the history of his continent, a giant of Africa's liberation struggle against colonialism.

The former leader, who ruled the Southern African country for nearly four decades until being ousted in 2017, died in Singapore where he has often received medical treatment in recent years for an undisclosed ailment.

In November, Mnangagwa had said Mugabe was no longer able to walk when he had been admitted to a hospital in the city-state.

Tributes poured in from African leaders.

The South African government sent condolences on the death of a "fearless pan-Africanist liberation fighter."

Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta mourned a "man of courage who was never afraid to fight for what he believed in even when it was not popular."

At home, even his foes paid their respects.

"He was a colossus on the Zimbabwean stage and his enduring positive legacy will be his role in ending white minority rule and expanding a quality education to all Zimbabweans," tweeted David Coltart, an opposition senator and rights lawyer.

Mugabe took power in 1980 after seven years of a liberation bush war, with a reputation as "the thinking man's guerrilla."

He held seven degrees, three earned behind bars as a political prisoner of then-Rhodesia's white minority rulers.

Relations between China and Zimbabwe date back to the liberation struggle of the 1960s.

Zimbabwe's Former Leader Mugabe Dies

Xinhua
2019/9/6 13:25:36

Zimbabwe's former President Robert Mugabe. Photo: VCG

Zimbabwe's former leader Robert Mugabe has died at the age of 95, mulitiple sources reported Friday.

"It is with the utmost sadness that I announce the passing of Zimbabwe's founding father and former President, Cde Robert Mugabe," tweeted incumbent President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa.

It is believed Mugabe had been receiving treatment in a hospital in Singapore since April.

Mugabe ruled the Southern African country for nearly four decades until being ousted in 2017.

Ex-Zimbabwean Leader Robert Mugabe Dies Aged 95

Fri Sep 6, 2019 11:21AM
presstv.ir

Former Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe has died aged 95, the country's President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on his official Twitter account.

Mugabe died in Singapore, where he has often received medical treatment in recent years, a source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

"It is with the utmost sadness that I announce the passing on of Zimbabwe's founding father and former President, Cde Robert Mugabe," a post on Mnangagwa's official presidential Twitter account said.

In November, Mnangagwa said Mugabe was no longer able to walk when he had been admitted to a hospital in Singapore, without saying what treatment Mugabe had been undergoing.

Officials often said he was being treated for a cataract, denying frequent private media reports that he had prostate cancer.

Mugabe, who ruled the southern African nation for nearly four decades since independence from Britain in 1980, was forced to resign in November 2017 after an army coup.

He was feted as an African liberation hero and champion of racial reconciliation when he first came to power in a nation divided by nearly a century of white colonial rule.

Chain pays tribute to 'outstanding' leader

One of the staunchest supporters of Mugabe, Beijing paid tribute to him, saying he was an "outstanding national liberation movement leader and politician".

"Mugabe was an outstanding national liberation movement leader and politician of Zimbabwe," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang at a press briefing in Beijing.

"Throughout his life, he has firmly defended the sovereignty of his country, opposed foreign interference, and actively promoted China-Zimbabwe and China-Africa friendship and cooperation," said Geng.

Relations between China and Zimbabwe date back to the liberation struggle of the 1960s, when Beijing provided arms and trained some of the top guerrilla leaders.

Beijing remained one of Mugabe's most powerful allies and a major trade partner, even as the West shunned him.

China has funded and provided loans for many infrastructure projects across Africa in recent years, including the new parliament building in Zimbabwe.

Last year President Xi Jinping greeted Mnangagwa as an "old friend" of China when the African leader visited Beijing.

(Source: News agencies)

Mugabe Declared a National Hero . . . Government Announces Days of Mourning

Chronicle Reporter

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has declared former President Mugabe who died on Friday morning in Singapore a National Hero.

The President also pronounced that the nation would be mourning until the burial of the late former President at a date to be advised.

President Mnangagwa made the announcements during a press briefing held at State House, Harare on Friday evening.

Kenya Lauds Mugabe- Declare 3 Days of Mourning

06 SEP, 2019 - 13:09
Mashudu Netsianda, Senior Reporter
Zimbabwe Chronicle

KENYAN President Uhuru Kenyatta has declared three days of mourning the death of former Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe (95) and ordered flags in that country to be flown at half-mast beginning tomorrow morning to Monday evening.

In a statement posted on the official Presidential website, President Kenyatta said the honour was a sign of respect for a “shining beacon” of Africa’s liberation struggle and an African hero.

“As a mark of respect for the memory of this African hero and friend of our country, by the authority vested in me as President of the Republic of Kenya, I hereby order and direct that the flag of the Republic of Kenya shall be flown at half-mast at the State House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the  Republic of Kenya and throughout the Republic of Kenya from dawn on Saturday the 7th September, 2019 until sunset, on Monday the 9th September, 2019” he said.

“Today, the 6th of September, 2019, Kenya has lost a close friend following the passing of H.E. Comrade Robert Gabriel Mugabe. I take this opportunity on my own behalf that of my family and the people of the Republic of Kenya to offer my deepest heartfelt condolences to Mrs Grace Mugabe, the entire family and the people of the great Republic of Zimbabwe,” he said.

RECAP: The Robert Mugabe I Know, ED

06 SEP, 2019 - 12:09 
Zimbabwe Herald
 
From the bush to Independent Zimbabwe- Former President R.G Mugabe (l) with his would-be successor President E.D Mnangagwa (r) and the late ZANLA Commander Josiah M. Tongogara at the height of the Liberation Struggle

By President Emmerson Mnangagwa

I first heard about Cde Mugabe around 1962 when he was in the National Democratic Party. I didn’t get to meet him though; I just heard about him. I had been expelled from Hodgson Technical College of Zambia in 1960 for political agitation. I was now working for Unip which I had joined as a Youth League activist in Lusaka and the Copperbelt.

It was about ’62 when I heard about this firebrand in Rhodesia. When Zapu was banned, most of its leaders came to Lusaka en route to Tanganyika (now Tanzania). We were still young and could not get close to him.

I then went to Tanganyika towards the end of 1962 into ‘63. The first person I saw in Dar es Salaam was the first First Lady, Amai Sally Mugabe. She gave birth to her first child, Nhamodzenyika, and a colleague, Leonard Mudavanhu, and I visited her in hospital. They lived in Upanga at the time.

Our group later trained in China and completed training in 1964. We were deployed, making us the only six or so trained people to come into the country. So, I attended the first Zanu Congress in May (21-23) 1964. That’s when I came face-to-face with President Mugabe. He was elected Secretary-General, and as young people, we were enthused by his English when he addressed Congress: very fluent; articulate. We loved him in the youth wing. Never mind the ideology he articulated; we were more concerned about his English, his being a graduate and articulate. (laughs) That’s how I came face-to-face with President Mugabe, and then later in Highfield in 1964, now operating at his house where I stayed as part of his security. Behind the prison walls I was captured in 1965 and imprisoned.

President Mnangagwa once described his predecessor Cde Mugabe as “a father, mentor, comrade-in-arms and my leader”.

President Mugabe was already detained along with Nyagumbo, Nkala, Tekere, Morton Malianga, Leopold Takawira and Rev Sithole. I was sentenced to death. I was part of the Crocodile Group. I am the only surviving member of that group. Maybe that’s why people say “Ngwena”. I don’t know. The age of majority then was 21. I was below 21, so I escaped the noose.

My colleagues were, however, hanged. I later learnt that the President had been instrumental in my escape from death. There was a Father Swift, a Roman Catholic priest who chaplained us at Salisbury Prison. I understand that through him, Cde Mugabe appealed to Her Majesty on our behalf. I was saved based on age, but Lloyd Gundu, another colleague on death row, survived on clemency by the Crown.

From that time, we heard and read about (President Mugabe). He and others were on the detention side while we were prisoners. But we really separated for about six years when we were transferred to Khami Maximum Security Prison where we were D-Class prisoners – dangerous prisoners. We were not allowed to go out, even to see the sun – for years. I think they were still detained in Harare, Salisbury then. Even then, he encouraged all imprisoned comrades to study. That is when I began studies after two-and-a-half years in prison.

They wrote notes on small pieces of toilet paper, which were also smuggled to us. We would then hear: “Vakuru varikuti fundayi, fundayi, fundayi!” And there was a Christian Council, which would help prisoners pay for correspondence courses. I completed Ordinary and Advanced Level, and proceeded to an LLB degree.

I sat for my intermediate law degree in 1969/70. There were five of us, including the President; Eddison Zvobgo; Kesiwe Malindi and some white chap, I don’t remember his name.

We sat separately as detainees and prisoners. Only Kesiwe Malindi and the white chap failed. So, that’s where I did my education. I had been expelled before completing Form Two and also expelled from college (laughs). I saw him when I was transferred back to Salisbury Remand Prison. They used to attend church in a small chapel. We were in the “condemned” section.

Gumbo’s betrayal

I was then deported because my parents lived in Zambia. As I prepared to leave, President Mugabe smuggled a letter to me. He wanted me to take the letter to Elisha Mudenda, the Minister of Agriculture in Kaunda’s first Cabinet. I think he and Mudenda were friends at Fort Hare University in South Africa. I had not finished the degree programme when I left; I was in my third and final year.

Under the University of London, one does the intermediate programme and then another three years. In Zambia, I rejoined the revolution and wanted to go back to Mozambique, but the High Command – led by Tongogara, Rex Nhongo and others – said I should first finish the degree programme.

I was in prison for 10 years and therefore could not join fighting straight away, they said. They then arranged a scholarship for me to finish the programme at the University of Zambia. In 1976, there was the Geneva Conference, so President Mugabe and the Ndabaningi Sitholes and Chikeremas came to Lusaka.

President Mugabe had since been released from detention and we now knew each other because I had already stayed with him in Highfield. I was now mature and grown. I did not only enjoy his English; I also now enjoyed his clarity of thought, clarity of direction and how he articulated problems. (laughs) He was now a lawyer and would deal with issues in such a surgical manner that one would admire him.

In this file picture, President Mnangagwa shares a lighter moment with founding President Robert Mugabe

There was a man to reckon with! We continued interacting. We went to Geneva and returned. I graduated and embarked on post-graduate studies. I finished in 1977 and went back to Mozambique. It was at Zanu’s Chimoio Conference that I was elected Special Assistant to the President. I now headed both Zanu and Zanla’s military and civil security, and my deputy was Sheba Gava, the late General Zvinavashe. That is when I began working under (President Mugabe) as his security advisor.

I had the advantage of being a qualified lawyer. Before VaMugabe was made President in 1977, the rule of law in the army was not strict. The commanders in the operational zones could mete out punishment without party regulations and this resulted in some people losing their lives. Sometimes natural justice was not fully applied: hearing both sides. If a person were accused, they would, sometimes, be sentenced and executed.

From 1977, President Mugabe said: “No, Cde Mnangagwa we want (1) records of every single case; (2) justice where both sides are heard.” When I did my post-graduate, I had also been practising as a prosecutor in Zambia. Therefore, I was fully aware of how to handle judicial procedures. When we tried Rugare Gumbo and others in Chimoio – in the bush of course – I was the lead prosecutor. The council found them guilty. What is important is there were now records stating dates and the types of unlawful acts committed. Normally, they could have been sentenced to death. But President Mugabe and Vice-President Muzenda conferred and then said: “Even those found guilty and the verdict is that they be sentenced to death, should not be executed. We must report back home to the full council. We must keep all those found guilty and present their cases to the full Council of Zanu.”

I would present the cases and the final decision would then be meted out. But for now, the issue is: Are you guilty or not? That is why we have Gumbo around, otherwise . . . . (leaves statement hanging). They should be thankful because VaMugabe naVaMuzenda said they must not be executed; they should be kept and the matter referred to the full Council of Zanu tawuya kuno kumusha. When we experienced attacks by the Rhodesian Air Force, we could not run around with them in case they escaped and joined the enemy. So, we dug a big hole. We lowered a ladder and after they had gone in, we pulled the ladder up. We then spread tree branches and straw over the opening. They remained in the hole, even as we fought.

Always the teacher

I worked for President Mugabe as his Special Advisor on Security Matters. He is a very consistent man. He doesn’t like being lied to. You must always be honest whether the issue pleases him or not. You must tell it as it is. And also, you must keep records. If he refers to a case, you must be able to pull out the record and see how the case was dealt with.

He is a very careful listener. Tongogara was Chief of Defence while Mayor Urimbo was Commissariat (Chief), deputised by Josiah Tungamirai. Rex deputised Tongogara. When we had High Command debates, President Mugabe would listen and listen carefully over hours; going through strategy, reports from the front, the various sectors and provinces. And President Mugabe has a fantastic memory.

President Mnangagwa shares a lighter moment with former President Robert Mugabe before the latter addressed delegates at the 16th Zanu-PF Annual National People’s Conference in Masvingo . – (Picture by Believe Nyakudjara)

When all was finished, he would say: “Okay, you reported on that and this one on that, but I think it should happen this way.” When one wanted to remember a particular point, one had to refer to notes. But he would do it offhand. We admired him so much. He is the one who introduced a kind of yearly conference in Beira to review the previous year and create a slogan for the next year like “People’s Year”, “The Year of Gukurahundi”.

He also promoted education in the camps. This is where people like Dzingai Mutumbuka, Fay Chung and others were made secretaries for education. We divided those grown enough to train and then fight, and youngsters who were weak. They were put into different camps and attended classes; some in primary and others in secondary school.

It was President Mugabe who organised for everybody to get an education. And those who got injured at the front were hospitalised. We had Mangurenje – Ushewokunze – heading our medical side, assisted by Sekeremayi. Those who recovered – not sufficiently to fight – would be sent again for education. We didn’t want them to just sit. Education was uppermost in his dealings with the party and comrades. Many people benefited from that education policy during the war – thousands of them.

Black Marxist Russian

So, I worked with him that way. I accompanied him throughout his foreign missions; when he met Nyerere, Samora or Obasanjo in Nigeria; or at the Malta Conference. I was with him at the Lancaster House Conference as his advisor, Special Assistant to the President. At Lancaster, he stood out to be extremely principled. He could not be moved from the principle that: “We have taken up arms to get back our land. Anything short of that would compromise our revolution.”

The British were very worried and that’s why they called him “The Black Marxist Russian”. In the end, when we sat as Zapu and Zanu, I mean at the top – Joshua Nkomo and his team; Mugabe and us as his team – we then reached a compromise. We said: “We shall accept political independence. The land issue: We shall defer the take-over of the land, wholesale, for 10 years. After 10 years, we shall get our land back.”

That compromise was also induced by the Americans – there was Jimmy Carter – and Commonwealth Secretary Shridath Ramphal. They put up a package for us to acquire land for our people. The President said: “In that case, if you are going to use your own resources to buy back our land, it’s okay because the money is yours, not ours. But we cannot get back the land by buying it ourselves. Those who have it never bought it from us. So, we must just get it for free.”

But, of course, when we came here the speed was very slow. The fund money was there. When this guy – Tony Blair – came into power, he said no, no . . . We then said: “If you are not prepared to give us the money, don’t because the land is here and the money is there. We shall take the land.

It is you who proposed to bring the money here for us to take our land, but if you are going to keep your money, no problem. We take our land.” We got our land back. Our task now is to make use of it. We must develop the land in our hands, in our own way, at our own pace. That’s what is important. It did not end there. President Mugabe also had to inculcate in us, as leaders, not to forget to stand guard over our revolution. “The imperialists will never surrender.

They will find ways to infiltrate us and use us to destroy our own revolution from among ourselves. So, you must always remember that we have won this independence through blood. We have won our sovereignty and got our land back through blood and we must leave this land, this legacy to generations to come solidly and fully in the hands and control of the African people of the country.”

He does not bend on that one. After Independence, I was tasked by the President to be moving between his house – Nkomo was staying in Highfield – to talk to Nkomo about coming together. He only agreed on the third trip. Both leaders – Nkomo and Mugabe – felt there was more good to be achieved together than separated. Nkomo chose to be in security services and became Home Affairs Minister. That’s how we began. Of course, we had begun working together as the Patriotic Front, even in London at Lancaster. We had also worked together under Zipa sometime back in our operations, though it didn’t last.

Shocking Reconciliation

President Mugabe is very tolerant. He takes counsel, but not stupid counsel! If you report to him, he will interrogate you. And don’t go to him with half-baked decisions because he can prick holes into your argument. He enjoys somebody who argues. When he says “yes”, he knows that you also understand what you are talking about.

He will also have understood what you were talking about. But if you go there with a stupid thing, of course, he will say “no”. But he is very tolerant. For instance, this is Mugabe, I mean, this is at his best: Immediately after the 1980 elections; he was still Prime Minister-designate, he says: “Emmerson, I want to see Smith.” I didn’t tell him, but I wondered: “What has gone wrong with my boss? We were denouncing Smith throughout the revolution. What’s happening?”(Ian Smith opted to come with his deputy, David Smith.) We prepared the house in Mt Pleasant and they came in the evening.

David was driving, with Ian Smith in the passenger seat. But, of course, me being me – the President didn’t know and I don’t think he knows even up to now – I put some (agents) in the hedge, vane maAK (laughs). The President had not told me why he wanted to meet them, and I don’t think he had told VaMuzenda.

Then President Mugabe says to Ian Smith: “I have called you here; you are aware that my party and I have won this election. We have gone through so many difficulties, confrontations and acrimony. I know you have a following. The whites believe in you and you had your time. “This time, this country – Rhodesia – will now be called Zimbabwe, it is going to be independent. We have a sizeable white population. Even if I appeal to them, they will not listen. I want you, Ian Smith, to appeal to the white community in this country to begin a new page with us where there is no racialism. We shall work together, but as equals.” Ian Smith says: “Before I respond to your request, let me tell you something, Mr Mugabe.” We looked at each other. “You see, I represent white interests; you represent African interests. But some of your people like Muzorewa, Chikerema, Chirau and others used to talk to me. I had meetings with them. The only person I didn’t talk to is you.

So, the African people knew you are the correct leader because you did not want to go and eat or sup with me – the white person. “But all those who were supping with me when I was defending my whites’ interests have lost. So, you should thank me for not talking to you.” (laughs) The President laughed and then said: “Mr Smith, I’m serious.

I’m going to make a statement and appeal to the nation for national reconciliation.” Ah, ndopandakanzwa term yacho: national reconciliation. “Ko, Mudhara ava kufunga chii manje?” National reconciliation! They agreed and Smith said he would make a statement himself, appealing to the white community to be calm and accept the new order. The two left after coffee. I later asked the President about this reconciliation. He said: “We are reconciling everybody.

We should put the war behind us; we need peace in the country.” I thought to myself that the High Command did not know about this, but I remained silent. The President told me that he wanted to meet General Walls (Commander, Joint Operations Command), Air Marshal (Hannes) Wessels (Air Force Commander), Peter Alum (Police Commissioner) and Ken Flower (Head of CIO). So, I contacted Peter Walls.

I had his contact details because we used to meet when the elections were held. All four agreed to come in the same car as I had instructed. The meeting place was the same: Mt Pleasant, in the evening. They arrived and took seats. It was only the two of us (on our side) – President Mugabe and I. The President began: “General Walls, whether you talk about Zipra or Zanla, all these forces must now be converted from guerilla fighters to a conventional army, now that we are going to have a new dispensation. “I can’t give the responsibility to Rex Nhongo or Dumiso or Lookout Masuku. I would want you – in the new Zimbabwe – to be Commander (Defence Forces) and convert these together and establish a conventional army.” General Walls first looked at the others, stood, saluted and said: “Yes, Sir!” Ini vanga vasina kumbondiudza. Ndiri kutoshama kuti vanoda kuchengeta mhandu idzi! Isu tiri kuti: “Pasi nemhandu-uu . . . ” (laughs) But this is the boss (talking). Ini ziii. The President moved to Air Marshal Wessels. “Mr Wessels, you were bombing us left, right . . . in Zambia and Mozambique, but that has come to an end.

Whether you talk of Zanla or Zipra, we have no air force. Yes, we have sent a few comrades for training, but we have no air force. “I would want you – in the new dispensation which we have achieved through elections – to produce a new Zimbabwe Air Force, taking the old and new air forces and integrating them.” Wessels promptly rose to his feet and saluted, saying: “Yes, Sir!” Peter Alum was third. “Mr Alum, you were responsible for civil police. Yes, we had our military police in the bush, but yours are properly trained police in a civil society.”

“I don’t know where he had read all this material. VaMugabe! The President continued: “I would want you to be the Commissioner of Police in the new Zimbabwe.” Alum stood up; “Yes, Sir!” President Mugabe turned to Ken Flower. But before he could say much, Ken Flower said: “Sir, may I please speak before you do? I still have parcel bombs which I had not yet dispatched to you and Emmerson. Fortunately (for you), all my attempts did not succeed. I sent you parcel bombs in Maputo, Lusaka.” (Some of our comrades had actually been killed by parcel bombs and he confessed that he was responsible.) He went on: “Now because of your openness and frankness, even before you ask me, I will serve you.” We laughed. We were very happy and shook hands. We had coffee and they left. I subsequently asked the President whether I should tell vanaRex. He said I should not and that he would make an announcement. I kept quiet. It was an order. The commanders and Central Committee members heard about the national reconciliation policy when the Prime Minister-designate delivered his speech to the nation.

That’s this man: Mugabe.

This article was first published in The Sunday Mail, Zimbabwe on February 23, 2015.

ED Cuts WEF Schedule Following Mugabe’s Death

06 SEP, 2019 - 10:09
From Golden Sibanda in Cape Town, South Africa
Zimbabwe Herald

President Mnangagwa has left Cape Town, South Africa, earlier than scheduled following the death of former President Robert Mugabe, Presidential Spokesperson Mr George Charamba has said.

The President was in South Africa since Tuesday where he was attending the World Economic Forum on Africa, which ran from Wednesday and ends this afternoon.

President Mnangagwa will make a statement on arrival at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.

Former President Mugabe Dies at 95

06 SEP, 2019 - 07:09
Zimbabwe Herald

Kudakwashe Mugari Deputy News Editor and Daniel Chigunwe Online Reporter

Former President of Zimbabwe, Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe has died.

Commenting on his official Twitter Platform, President Emmerson Mnangagwa confirmed the sad news

“It is with utmost sadness that I announce the passing of Zimbabwe’s founding father and former President Cde Robert Mugabe”.

President Mnangagwa said the nation has lost an icon of liberation and Pan Africanist

“Cde Mugabe was an icon of liberation ,a pan Africanist who dedicated his life to the emancipation and empowerment of his people .His contribution to the history of our nation and continent will never be forgotten .May his soul rest in eternal peace,” President Mnangagwa wrote on his twitter handle

Cde Robert Mugabe-A Timeline

1924: Born
Trained as a teacher
1961: Married Ghanaian Sally Hayfron
1964: Imprisoned by Rhodesian government
1980: Wins post-independence elections
1996: Marries Grace Marufu
2000: Leads Land Reform
2002: Wins presidential elections
2008: Comes second in first round of election, Tsvangirai pulls out of run-off
2009: Swears in Tsvangirai as prime minister
2013: Re-elected
2017: Cde Mugabe resigns in November 2017 amid impeachment process by Parliament. After resignation, Cde Mugabe was less visible in the public arena and was in and out of the country on medical visits as his health deteriorated. The former President rarely appeared in public until a press conference held at his official residence just before the 2018 harmonised elections. Cde Mugabe later cast his vote during the harmonised elections at Mhofu Government Primary School in Highfield and withdrew from public life.

FFC, Hamdok Reach Deal on Sudan’s Transitional Cabinet

Sudan’s new Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok speaks during a press conference in Khartoum on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 (AP Photo)

September 4, 2019 (KHARTOUM) - The Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) in Sudan said that the transitional government will be formally announced on Thursday after the completion of consultations on the list of nominees for the ministerial posts.

"The Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok will announce his government on Thursday at a press conference at the Council of Minister’s headquarters," FFC leading member Mohamed Dia al-Din told Sudan Tribune on Wednesday.

"The prime minister met with the Sovereign Council to formally approve the ministerial nominations."

On Tuesday, Hamdok received a list of 15 ministers while it was not possible to agree on three ministries, "infrastructure, local government, livestock," but the forces of change were able to finalize the list of 18 ministers, including 4 women, after tense meetings.

Sources told "Sudan Tribune" Wednesday that Prime Minister Hamdok received the final list of ministers from the ruling coalition.

According to a list seen by the Sudan Tribune, the following are to be appointed in the contentious ministries: Ahmed Mohamed Taher will be appointed Minister of Infrastructure, Mutasim Mahmoud Minister of Livestock, and Youssef Adam Aldai, Minister of Federal Government.

The sources pointed out that the Prime Minister held a meeting with the Council of Sovereignty to approve the list of nominees before to announce it officially on Thursday.

Later, the Sovereign Council adopted the list of the transitional cabinet presented by the Prime Minister after adding the Ministers of Interior and Defence nominated by the military component of the Sovereign Council.

According to the list of nominees include Asma Mohamed Abdallah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ibrahim Badawi Minister of Finance, Akram Ali Altom Minister of Health, and Nasr al-Din Abdel Bari Minister of Justice.

Walaa Essam Al Boushi, Minister of Youth and Sports, Mohamed al-Amin Altom, Minister of Education, Madani Abbas Madani, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Adel Ibrahim Minister of Energy and Mining, Yasser Abbas, Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources, and Issa Osman Sharif, Minister of Agriculture.

The Sudanese army nominated Lt. Gen. Jamal Omer Minister of Defence and the police nominated Idriss al-Traifi Minister of Interior.

The list also includes Lina al-Sheikh, Minister of Labour and Social Development, Omar Monis, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Intisar al-Zein Sghairyoun, Minister for Higher Education, Faisal Mohamed Saleh, for Minister of Culture and Information, and Nasr al-Din Mufreh, for the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Last week, the FFC handed Hamdouk a list including three nominees for every ministry. But he entered into thorny negotiations with them after proposing five candidates for five ministries to replace their nominees.

Hamdouk’s refusal to appoint Madani Abbas Madani in the Cabinet Affairs Ministry had been highly controversial. The Forces for Freedom and Change stuck to their candidate, while the Prime Minister called for his removal from the ministry. Finally, they agreed that he would stay in the cabinet as industry minister.

(ST)

Darfur Armed Group Extends Unilateral Ceasefire for Three Months

Sudan Liberation Movement Justice leader Taher Hajer (L), SLM Unity leader, Abdallah Yahia (C) and Abu Al Gasim Imam leader of SLM- 2edR after the alliance agreement in July, 2014 (ST)

September 3, 2019 (KHARTOUM) - A rebel umbrella gathering three factions in Darfur, Sudan Liberation Forces Alliance (SLFA), on Wednesday extended the unilateral cessation of hostilities for three months.

The extension of ceasefire intervenes few days after agreeing with three other groups: the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), headed by Gibril Ibrahim, Sudan Liberation Movement-Minni Minnawi (SLM-MM) and the SLM Traditional Council of Hadi Idriss to unify their negotiating position before to engage in talks with the transitional government in Khartoum.

The ceasefire extension is an initiative by the Sudan Liberation Forces to "show goodwill to build a new Sudan in which citizenship is the basis for rights and duties," said the head of the alliance in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

The three-month unilateral cessation of hostilities "begins on 2 September and ends on 1 December 2019," he further added before to calls on the SLFA military units to abide by the decision to stop hostilities except in self-defence.

On 27 June, JEM and SLM-MM signed in Ndjamenaa ceasefire with the deputy head of the Transitional Military Council, facilitated by Chadian President Idriss Deby.

In a briefing to the Security Council on 26 August, Jean Pierre Lacroix the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations said the situation in Darfur remains calm except some sporadic skirmishes in Jebel Marra with the SLM-Abdel Wahid.

In a related development, the Darfur Bar Association (DBA) announced on Tuesday that preparations are underway to convene a consultative meeting between civil society groups and armed groups in Darfur.

He DBA which is supportive for the armed groups said the meeting would be held in the South Sudanese capital Juba, but no date has been given.

The purpose of the meeting is to reach a common vision between the civil and armed groups contributing to finding effective solutions to public issues and problems at the local and national levels, said the statement.

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Sudanese Revolutionary Front Reunites Factions, Elects New Chairman

September 3, 2019 (KHARTOUM) - Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SRF) groups announced from the South Sudanese capital Juba on Tuesday the reunification of the two factions of the rebel umbrella and decided to hand over the organization’s leadership to the head of the Sudan Liberation Movement-Transitional Council Hadi Idriss Yahia.

The move followed consultation meetings on their negotiating position sponsored by South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who is leading an initiative for peace in Sudan.

In October 2015, the SRF groups split in October 2015 after a dispute on the mechanism of the presidential transition.

According to the SRF spokesman, Mohamed Zakaria, the Juba meetings picked Hadi Idriss Yahia as a chairman, Malik Agar as his deputy and Gibril Ibrahim as secretary-general.

The SRF will hold an important meeting on Wednesday with South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir to brief him on the outcome of their meeting.

Major Step

Yasir Arman, the deputy leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North led by Malik Agar (SPLM-N), called the reunification of the Revolutionary Front "a major step in a new historical circumstance."

He told the Sudan Tribune Tuesday that the decision "came from the winds of the revolution and we are now moving towards a just peace and building a citizenship state without discrimination."

"The Revolutionary Front is now ready to reach a just peace and turn the page of a painful war with the accountability of all those who have been guilty of the crime against our people," he added.

He pointed out that the Sudanese revolution produced awareness throughout Sudan and created a new atmosphere of unity between the components of the Sudanese people, regions and nationalities that should not be undone.

He said the remanents of the former regime are still present in the different institutions and called for their removal.

"We are on the threshold of a new phase and this requires the unity of the Revolutionary Front as one team. Therefore we have responded to the climate of the revolution and the demands of our people, the Front chose a team led by a young man of a new generation, Hadi Idriss. His choice comes at a time when the Sudanese youth take the lead and play an influential role in the revolution".

Idriss, 42, was picked as leader of the SLM-TC in 2017 after the arrest of its former leader Nimir Abdel Rahman who had been arrested after taking part in a joint attack with the SLM-MM on the Sudanese army in May 2017.

Also, the Sudan Liberation Forces Alliance (SLFA), welcomed the decision to unite the two SRF factions.

SLFA al-Taher Hajer said the reunification represents an important impetus towards uniting the armed struggle adding that unity has become a popular demand and an urgent necessity for achieving complete change.

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Construction Site of Yangdok County Hot Spring Resort Inspected

Kim Jong Un, Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK and Supreme Commander of the armed forces of the DPRK, gave field guidance to the construction site of the Yangdok County Hot Spring Resort.

Making the rounds of various places for hours, the Supreme Leader said with satisfaction that the characteristics of nature and topography have been well preserved and a peculiar resort has been formed in good harmony with the surrounding environment as planned by the Party and the section and arrangement are practical and each building is impeccable in view of architectural beauty.

Saying that the sphere of a new cultural and emotional life in which skiing ground is combined with hot-spring recreation ground has been created, he noted with pleasure that the Yangdok County Hot Spring Resort is the edifice in which the people-first principle-based architectural idea of the Party is fully embodied and everything serves the people and their demand is met, and if the resort is once completed, it will become a cultural recreation ground frequented by the people.

Pointing out that we should inscribe the proud picture of Korean-style socialist system even in such small-sized edifices and help people cherish more deeply a great pride and patriotism through the daily-changing appearance of the prosperous and highly civilized country, he earnestly called for presenting the people with the Yangdok County Hot Spring Resort completed on the highest level by doing the finishing work qualitatively.

Saying that it is necessary to start the operation in December this year by making full preparations for the running of hot-spring recreation and medical treatment facilities and taking a thorough step for the supply of sporting goods to the skiing ground, he repeatedly stressed the need to qualitatively complete the project and for the relevant sector to make full preparations for service so that the visitors to the resort may not feel a slight inconvenience.

Enjoying a bird's-eye view of the construction site, he said that he visited it after a gap of four months, but he did not know where he stood as it underwent a dramatic change, that solider-builders finished the project as large as the building of a city at lightning speed. Noting that it was quite right to entrust the unit which has the strongest fighting capacity in the People's Army with the project, he said that the unit carried out the construction like a specialized construction unit and it is, indeed, a mighty unit.

Noting that the plan of the Party has been carried out by the People's Army which accepts the Party's plan and intention as the absolute truth and always implements them unconditionally and devotedly, he said that he regards it as his greatest joy and pride to pave the road of the revolution together with such army.

Saying that all the builders, including the people in the province, shock brigade members and railway workers, and officials and workers in charge of supplying building materials have taken particular troubles, he asked commanding officers of the unit to convey his satisfaction and greetings to all the builders and encouraged them.

He was accompanied by Choe Ryong Hae, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the WPK, first vice-chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK and president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK; and Kim Yo Jong, Jo Yong Won, Hyon Song Wol, Ma Won Chun and other senior officials of the Party Central Committee and the State Affairs Commission.

KCNA