Mugabe funeral parade for Rufaro

Harare(New Ziana) – Zimbabwe has set Thursday and Friday as special days on which the public will be allowed to pay their last respects to the late former President Robert Mugabe, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said on Monday.

The former veteran leader died last Friday in Singapore where he was receiving medical treatment.

His body still remains in the Asian country, and was only expected in Zimbabwe on Wednesday.

Vice President Kembo Mohadi left Harare on Monday for Singapore at the head of a family, ruling party and government delegation to repatriate the former President’s body home.

Addressing the media, Mutsvangwa said the body of former President Mugabe will be taken to Rufaro Stadium in Harare on Thursday and Friday for the public from all over the country to pay their last respects.

“The body is expected in Zimbabwe at Robert Gabriel Mugabe Airport anytime on Wednesday, 11 September 2019. On Thursday (12th), and Friday (13th September), the body will be taken to Rufaro Stadium to allow members of the public from all provinces to pay their last respects to the illustrious liberation war hero,” she said.

Mutsvangwa said a state funeral service had been set for Saturday, before burial on Sunday.

“On Saturday 14 September 2019, the body will be at the National Sports Stadium for the state funeral service where Zimbabweans and other foreign dignitaries and members of the diplomatic corps will have an opportunity to pay their last respects to our departed hero.”

“Burial is set for the 15th of September 2019, which is on a Sunday. We will certainly be giving you more updates as more information on the programme trickles in,” she said.

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.

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

New Ziana