Huge Mugabe send off on cards

Harare(New Ziana) – A huge funeral service to afford Zimbabweans a chance to bid farewell to former President Robert Mugabe is planned for the National Sports Stadium on Saturday before burial the next day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said.

The body of former President Robert Mugabe, who died in Singapore on Friday aged 95, is expected in the country on Wednesday.

Vice President Kembo Mohadi left Harare on Monday for Singapore as the head of a family, ruling party and government delegation to collect the body of the former leader, who has been declared a national hero.

In a notice to diplomatic missions accredited to Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade said the full programme for the funeral service will be made available in due course.

“The state funeral service will be held on Saturday 14 September 2019 in the morning at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, the times will be advised,” it said.

“Heads of State/Government wishing to attend the ceremony are advised to arrive in Harare on Friday 13 September 2019. Heads of State/Government are expected to depart immediately after the ceremony taking into consideration that government authorities will be fully occupied with preparations for the burial service/ceremony reserved for Sunday 15 September 2019.”

Mugabe’s demise has attracted global attention, with condolences coming in from far and wide, and locally from across the political divide.

The former President, who was a fierce advocate of black empowerment, has been lauded for the critical role he played in bringing about the independence of Zimbabwe and championing the land reform programme, among other things.

In recognition of his widely acclaimed influence on the continent, Kenya declared three days of mourning while describing him as an African icon and champion of Pan-Africanism.

Locally, days of national mourning have been declared until he is buried.

New Ziana