- Zimbabwe's Founding Father, Robert Mugabe, died on this day at 95
- Supporters and some historical figures remember Mugabe as a key figure in Zimbabwe's liberation from colonial rule
- Mugabe's policies are often blamed for the decline of the Zimbabwean economy
Robert Mugabe, the former President of Zimbabwe, passed away in a hospital in Singapore at the age of 95 on 6th September, 2019.
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced the news on X formerly called Twitter early Friday morning, expressing deep sorrow over the death of the nation’s founding leader.
“It is with the utmost sadness that I announce the passing on of Zimbabwe’s founding father and former President, Cde Robert Mugabe,” Mnangagwa wrote.
Mugabe, who initially rose to prominence as a guerrilla leader, became the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe from 1980 to 1987 and then served as President from 1987 to 2017.
He is remembered as a pivotal figure in the liberation movement and a committed pan-Africanist. Mnangagwa paid tribute to Mugabe’s role in the country’s history, stating, “Mugabe was 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. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Born on February 21, 1924, in Kutama Mission near Harare, Mugabe attended Fort Hare University in South Africa. After teaching in Ghana, he returned to Rhodesia, where he was imprisoned from 1964 to 1974 due to his nationalist activities. Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, was an unrecognized state during this period.
Public reactions to Mugabe’s death have been mixed. Raymond Chari, a 31-year-old shop owner in Harare, remarked, “With the current economic decline, Mugabe’s death is overshadowed by the crisis. He is blamed for the problems we face today and has left without addressing the damage he caused.”
Denis Vheremu, a 42-year-old street fruit vendor, acknowledged Mugabe’s role in the liberation struggle but expressed skepticism about the impact of his death, stating, “There is nothing to celebrate about Mugabe’s death as it doesn’t resolve the economic issues he left behind. However, his role in our liberation cannot be overlooked.”
Jonathan Moyo, a professor and former Mugabe minister, reflected on the loss by saying on Twitter, “A dark cloud has enveloped Zimbabwe and beyond. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord!”
Tinago Msipa, a supporter of the ruling Zanu-PF party, described Mugabe as “a hero and the father of the nation,” suggesting that his mistakes are now a part of history. “We must focus on rebuilding our economy and honoring his legacy,” Msipa said.
Others expressed concerns about the current state of the country. Marylin Chaungana, a 37-year-old hairdresser, lamented that Mugabe’s death did not improve the economic situation, which she believes has worsened under the same party leadership.
Jeremiah Gumbi, a 26-year-old money changer, wished Mugabe had remained in power, criticizing the opposition’s inability to improve the situation.
“The current state of affairs is worse than before Mugabe was removed, and the opposition seems ineffective against those who continue to harm the country.”
Trynos Jaricha, a senior political science student at the University of Zimbabwe, expressed frustration with the ongoing impact of Mugabe’s policies.
“Mugabe will be remembered for the destruction he left behind, and many are still angry with him. The system he established continues to affect us, and recovery may be a long way off,” Jaricha said.
