By Derick Tsimba

President Mnangagwa today during the funeral service of the former president, Robert Mugabe at the National Sports stadium said the late former president was a champion of African unity.

The President described the former president as a consistent champion of African Unity, industrialisation and intra-Africa trade.

“As Africa boldly operationalises the African Continental Free Trade Area, let us be emboldened by the ideals of the late Cde Mugabe, who was one of the consistent champions of African Unity, industrialisation, intra-Africa trade, as well as regional and continental intergration,” said the President.

The President also said that through the guidance of the iconic leader, Government will continue to promote peace, unity and stability.

“Under the leadership and guidance of our iconic leader, we fought for democracy and universal adult suffrage. My Government will continue to consolidate, deepen and entrench democratic tenets, constitutionalism and the rule of law; always guarding our peace, unity and stability,” said President Mnangagwa.

President Manangagwa also said the country was mourning the demise of her son of the soil.

“Today, Zimbabwe is mourning the demise of her great son of the soil, a visionary and the champion of our empowerment. Today, Southern Africa mourns, the sad loss of a front-liner. Today, Africa weeps, grieving over the loss of a true Pan-African. Our motherland is in tears, our region is in grief, and our continent is in sorrow! Above all, a family is stricken, and in deep sorrow.

“Among mourners gathered here are many fellow comrades from the region and continent and the world, who worked and fought alongside our dearly departed father. There are elder Statesmen, Presidents and Prime Ministers; great men and women, young and old, as well as dignitaries from all corners of the world; pulled here by the demise of this colossus, Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe. Today we all grieve together, feeling the void he has left behind,” said the President.