Outpouring of grief as Zimbabweans mourn Mugabe

The man who removed him from power, Emmerson Mnangagwa, officially broke the news, describing the former Zimbabwean strongman as “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,” said Mnangagwa, who, with the aid of the army, ended Mugabe’s 37-year reign in November 2017.

Despite leaving office under unceremonious circumstances, the Old Man, as Mugabe was popularly known, still had a place in the hearts of many Zimbabweans, friends and foes.

Older Zimbabweans will always remember him for his visionary leadership during the early years of the country’s independence when he oversaw one of Africa’s most promising economies as well as the implementation of one of the continent’s best education systems.

Of course, things changed later during his almost four decade-long reign.

News about his death on Friday triggered an outpouring of grief from Zimbabweans and across Africa.

Even his erstwhile political foes such as opposition stalwart Tendai Biti had kind words to say about the man who once tortured him.

“We are shocked notwithstanding his age, for all our fights with him as opposition the fact of the matter is that he was the founding father of our struggle,” said Biti, vice president of the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change.

Biti, who worked with Mugabe during Zimbabwe’s short-lived inclusive government between 2009 and 2013, said, compared to his successor, the former president is now really appreciated in that “he actually protected Zimbabwe.”

“We express our deep loss to the people of Zimbabwe. I was jailed and imprisoned by Robert Mugabe, I was tortured by Robert Mugabe but I’m not bitter, I’m not bitter at all, so rest in peace Robert Mugabe,” Biti said.

Several other Zimbabweans took to social media on Friday to express their feelings.

Most were sympathetic to the family.

“I have always said it and I’ll say it again, R.G Mugabe was the best president we ever had. Yes he was human and he erred but who doesn’t? To me he was my ideal president,” tweeted a Twitter user called Lutcho.

“We have indeed lost an Icon and a Legend. Rest in Peace RGM,” commented another user.

Harare resident Esther Mupezeni, who said she is an MDC supporter, told APA that Mugabe had empathy and responded to the needs of the people.

“Unlike the current leaders that we have, Gushungo (Mugabe’s totem name) would listen to your concerns and would make sure that the poor are protected. We don’t see that with the current leadership,” Mupezeni told APA.

Yet there were others who insisted that Mugabe was the architect of Zimbabwe’s current woes and, therefore, deserves no sympathy.

“There is nothing to be sad about here. This Old Man made us suffer during his time,” tweeted a user called Pines95.

“The Old Man died in the forest like a bird. Should have improved Zimbabwe healthcare,” wrote a user called The_Fangs.

News about Mugabe’s passing was received with sadness by other African leaders.