(FILES) In this file photo taken on November 17, 2017, Zimbabwe’s then President Robert Mugabe delivers a speech during a graduation ceremony at the Zimbabwe Open University in Harare, where he presides as the Chancellor. – Zimbabwe ex-president Robert Mugabe has died aged 95 according to official on September 6, 2019. (Photo by Jekesai NJIKIZANA / AFP)
South Africa’s ruling African National Congress on Friday described the late former Zimbabwean President as a great statesman, who stood for unity in Africa.
The ANC General Secretary Ace Magashule described Mugabe as a person who epitomised a true African.
“Cde Robert Mugabe devoted his life to the service of his people and his country.
“Throughout his life, Mugabe was an ardent and vocal advocate of the African unity and will be remembered for his rallying war cry ‘Africa is for Africans and Zimbabwe is for Zimbabweans.’”
Magashule said Mugabe also helped his party. He said, “Mugabe’s Zanu PF was a long-standing friend and supporter of the ANC, from exile through to democracy.
“Our fraternal relations grounded on mutual aspirations of human rights and political dignity and social justice have endured over the years. We mourn the passing of our friend, statesman, leader and revolutionary.”
The ANC also consoled Mugabe’s family.
Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa tweeted on Friday that former leader Robert Mugabe, who ruled his country for 37 years from independence until late 2017, died at the age of 95.
Mugabe ruled the Southern African country for nearly four decades until he was ousted in 2017.
