The Pan African Parliament (PAP) has honoured and paid tribute to the late former Zimbabwean President, His Excellency Robert Gabriel Mugabe who passed on last month due to “advanced cancer” describing him as a “Giant of Africa”.
The PAP paid tribute to Mugabe after a draft motion was moved by Honourable Jaynet Kabila of Democratic Republic of Congo to have him honoured.
According to the draft motion, the PAP decided to join African leaders, the people of Zimbabwe, Africans and rest of the world in paying a well-deserved tribute to the hero who recently passed away at the age of ninety-five.
“Mugabe is also recognised for being a fervent Pan-Africanist, who defended his country and Africa on the world stage,” said the PAP President Rt Hon Roger Nkodo during the ongoing PAP 3rd Ordinary Session of the Fifth Parliament in Midrand South Africa.
“We acknowledge his determination to promote and protect the human rights of women, youth and children. We also acknowledge his advocacy for women as potential and essential partners in developing African continent. We also recognise the firm commitment and determination of Mugabe to ensure the financial independence of the African Union Commission to enable the African continent to take ownership of its programmes.”
Hon Nkodo also disclosed that they will rename some rooms/offices at the PAP after Mugabe as a befitting honour for his sterling contributions to Africa.
PAP Vice President, Hon Chief Fortune Charumbira described Mugabe as a gift that Africa had.
“He stood for all of us as Africans in all fronts in our quest for freedom. He empowered a lot of us through education and other sound policies that seek to completely decolonise Africa,” he said.
Sahrawi’s Hon. Djamel Bendir Khatari said Mugabe was a legend whose legacy must be protected.
“Us as people of Sahrawi we value and appreciate all efforts that are being enjoyed by Africa as a result of Mugabe’s hard work. We even recently named a class of our graduates after Mugabe as a way of protecting and keeping his legacy alive,” he said.
According to Hon. James Kakooza from Uganda, Mugabe was a hero of Africa for everyone.
“Mugabe belonged to us all, so let us all celebrate his determination for a total free Africa. We will miss him, but his lessons must guide forward as we seek to set-up a developed Africa,” he added.