State funeral for Mugabe is a final goodbye

World Today

State funeral for Mugabe is a final goodbyeState funeral for Mugabe is a final goodbye

Several African heads of state and former leaders witnessed the final send-off for Zimbabwe’s late former President Robert Mugabe, in Harare on Saturday. The state funeral is the last official ceremony before his burial, expected after 30 days, at the national heroes acre.

CGTN’s Farai Mwakutuya has more.

Young and old, in positions of authority and ordinary folk, gathered at Harare’s National Stadium and were united in paying tribute to Robert Mugabe for his remarkable contribution.

“The late president has left an indelible mark in the history of Zimbabwe and African continent at large through his political astuteness and zeal for the economic and political liberation of Africa,” said Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta

Mugabe’s Death in Singapore on September 6th cast a dark shadow on the country he led for nearly 40 years.

“A giant tree of Africa has fallen. Indeed the bold steadfast and resolute Revolutionary Cde. Robert Gabriel Mugabe is no more. Taken away from us the people he fought to free, liberate and empower.” Said Emmerson Mnangagwa, Zimbabwean President.

But the invaluable lessons he taught can help fulfill his vision.

Kenyatta said, “The onus is now on us to keep the hope alive and deliver on the dream of a truly free and prosperous Africa. That is the most befitting tribute we can pay to the departed African statesman.”

A 21-gun salute and the highest military parade rounded off proceedings.

This is the l guard of honor through which Robert Mugabe’s body was carried. From here it goes to his rural home in Zvimba where people there can pay their last respects before its brought back for burial at the national heroes shrine at a date to ne confirmed.

A mausoleum being erected to house his remains will require about 30 days to finish.