by Innocent Mujeri
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has sent his condolence message to his counterpart, Zambian President Edgar Lungu following the death of Mr Alexander Grey Zulu last week.
The 96 year old Zulu, who was the former United National Independence Party (UNIP) Secretary General, was described by President Mnangagwa as a dedicated revolutionary who contributed to the liberation of the Southern African countries.
“It was with great shock and sadness that I learnt of the passing on last Sunday of one of Zambia’s revered crop of pioneering freedom fighters and statesmen, Mr Alexander Grey Zulu, following health challenges for some time. All along our prayers and best wishes were for his speedy recovery and continued good health into the foreseeable future. Regrettably was not to be,” said President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa said the name of Mr Grey is linked with the liberation history of the Southern African countries.
“The name of the late Grey Zulu is intrinsically linked with the history of liberation movements of Southern Africa; especially my country Zimbabwe, whose citizens and many freedom fighters received tremendous moral and material support from the Government and people of Zambia during the nascent days of our struggle for national independence and throughout the liberation period.
“We had a very strong ally and partner in the former UNIP Secretary General and Vice President of the Republic of Zambia,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa said he, together with the people of Zimbabwe, were mourning the death of an icon.
“Allow me, Mr President and dear brother on behalf of the ruling ZANU PF, the Government and the people of Zimbabwe, my family, and indeed my own behalf, to convey to you and through Your Excellency, to the government and the people of Zambia, in particular, the Zulu family, my sincere condolences on the death of a great icon of Zambia and Southern Africa’s liberation story. We mourn his great loss together,” added President Mnangagwa.
Mr Zulu died at his home in Lusaka last Sunday after a long illness.
He served in various ministerial positions in the Government of Dr. Kenneth Kaunda.
Among the positions he held were Minister of Commerce and Industry, Minister of Transport and Works, Minister of Mines and Corporatives, Minister of Home Affairs and Defence.
