The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has described former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe who died in Singapore last Friday as a pan-Africanist who dedicated his life to the emancipation and empowerment of his people.

In a letter of condolences addressed to the Zimbabwean High Commissioner in Zambia, ZCTU secretary general Cosmas Mukuka stated that Mugabe would be widely remembered for his contribution to the continent’s freedom.

“We mourn with our brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe over the loss of this liberation icon and a pan-Africanist who dedicated his life to the emancipation and empowerment of his people. Indeed, his contribution to the history of Zimbabwe and the continent will never be forgotten…Mr Mugabe will be widely remembered as a revolutionary leader who played a significant role in liberating Zimbabwe from white minority rule,” Mukuka stated.

“The sub-region and indeed the entire continent of Africa does recognise his immense contribution to the liberation struggle…On behalf of the workers of Zambia and indeed on own behalf, I wish to convey sincere and heartfelt condolences over this death and we are only comforted that Zimbabwe has lost a leader whose service to his country will forever be inscribed. We mourn with the people of Zimbabwe over the passing of this statesman, leader and revolutionary.”

In November, 2017, Mugabe was overthrown from the presidency by the military and his then Vice-President Emerson Mnangagwa, who later took over as Zimbabwe’s President, bringing an end to the former’s 37-year rule.