The ManicaPost
Post Correspondents
As the nation woke up to the grim reality that former President Cde Robert Mugabe had passed on, people from different walks of life in Manicaland expressed sadness at the loss and chose to focus on the many good things he did for the country in his lifelong struggle against colonialism and neo-liberalism.
Ms Abigail Machenjera (50), a bursar at Chipangayi Secondary School in Chipinge, who benefited from the post-independence boom in education, said the death of the former founding father had left Zimbabwe poorer.
‘‘I give 100 percent credit to Cde Mugabe for his unstinting support for African education seeing that before 1980, only a few students would get a chance to access secondary education with the result that a lot of children took up menial jobs as they only reached Grade 7.
“He will be known as the man who made Zimbabwe the best literate nation in Africa. He will be sadly missed. He could have had his dark side but he was a very compassionate man whose intellectual prowess was legendary,’’ Ms Machenjera said.
Mr Vasco Tiki, a teacher by profession, believes that the former President empowered indigenous people to an extent that his name is synonymous with resource nationalism. “For 20 years, Cde Mugabe did not raise a finger with matters regarding land seizures but the 2000 land reform brought the land from the whites to the indigenous people although he received a lot of flak from the erstwhile colonial oppressor. To the close to 300 000 families, it was a boon to be masters of their destinies. Moreover, in those early years of land reform, his Government provided inputs. I will always see him as a man who could have been late in addressing colonial land imbalances but when he did, he did it with gusto,’’ said Mr Tiki. Mrs Monica Munzara (45) said she was saddened by the death of the former President.
“The man was too good. I remember in 1980 when I was in Grade One, we would be given food and milk at school even fees for secondary and universities were so cheap that we could pay even after we finish university. He was very sensitive towards the protection of the country though what happened later happened, I believe somehow it was not his fault,” she said.
Mrs Matemba (39), a Mutare vendor, described the former President as a true leader who did his work diligently.
“He was the father of the country and could say no to things like unwarranted price increases and people would follow exactly that. If the country was facing hunger he knew the right doors to open. He knew what to say and not to say to the people of Zimbabwe and he managed the unwarranted price increases that were happening in the country.
“He knew and understood the culture of Zimbabwe, for example he would pay tribute to the spirit mediums when things get off the rails and sometimes he would humble himself and dress in white garments so that he would go to church to offer prayers for the country. That alone shows us how excellent he was as a leader. Cde Mugabe really fought a good fight may his soul rest in peace,” she said.
Mr John Mujuru (59) said that the former president was a well cultivated intellectual.
“Cde Mugabe was a good leader whose policies were meaningful and helpful to the growth of Zimbabwe. For us Zimbabweans to have freedom and peace it is because of him, he will be greatly missed. He is not just a Zimbabwean hero but an African hero who paved way for many people and Presidents in Africa,” he said.
Tapiwa Matendo(34) said: “The former President put Zimbabwe on the map through his educational policies. He was a good leader who showed his leadership qualities through advocating for our needs. Former President could put price controls on basic commodities to stop increases.”
Said Rutendo Makina (45): “He was a true leader we could ever have, he preached peace, unity, harmony and reconciliation. He was an icon and a freedom fighter. He was not only a Zimbabwean hero but also an African icon.”
Mr Blessing Mawere (24) said: “I am hurt because we have lost an Icon in Africa. Cde Mugabe was a great mentor and tutor. He put Zimbabwe on the map through his education policies and for that I will be forever grateful.”
