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(NEWZIMBABWE) Mujuru was sharp, alert, courageous and took dangerous assignments: Mugabe

Mujuru was sharp, alert, courageous and took dangerous assignments: Mugabe
Posted by By Our reporter at 6 May, at 04 : 34 AM

President Mugabe yesterday described the late Rtd General Solomon Mujuru as a courageous man who went on dangerous assignments for his country, while launching the Solomon Tapfumaneyi Ruzambu Mujuru Foundation, during the memorial of the late Retired General.

The late Rtd Gen Mujuru’s military prowess, benevolence and charismatic personality was also celebrated during the memorial. The foundation seeks to establish or assist in the establishment of projects and enterprises that benefit the country and its citizens.

Health, education, agriculture, commerce, industry and mining are among the targeted sectors.

It also aims to promote economic growth, social work, family planning, environmental and ecological conservation as well as communication.

It will also make available loans, grants, bursaries, donations and prizes, all efforts that capture Rtd Gen Mujuru’s vision to contribute in the making of a just society.

The board of trustees comprises Vice-President Mujuru, Mr Peter Lobel, Fr Fidelis Mukonori, Mr Joel Mujuru, Arun Mooljee, Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube, Mrs Busi Chindove, Ambassador Margaret Muchada and the national hero’s daughter, Kumbirai Rungano Mujuru.

Speaking at the occasion, President Mugabe said he was touched by the objectives of the foundation.

He encouraged the board to ensure benefits also accrue to Mujuru descendants.

“The objectives of the trust touch on every aspect of the country. I am touched. I would like to say to all of us in the parties that those who are interested in the life of Solomon Mujuru; those who are friends of the family and you want to know what is being done, get this document (the trust deed),” he said.

“It is not the foundation alone that should commemorate the life of Mujuru. Organisations or schools can do it.”

President Mugabe described Rtd Gen Mujuru as a courageous cadre who contributed greatly to Zimbabwe’s independence from British colonial rule.

“What happened here (the death of Cde Mujuru in an inferno) … I do not know whether, as a drinker, he was drunk or it was deep slumber (that saw him losing his life in the inferno).

“He was a very alert, sharp mind. He was a very courageous man who went on dangerous assignments.”

The President urged Zimbabweans to emulate Rtd Gen Mujuru’s good deeds, adding that the Mujurus should now be comforted after their great loss.

He said the former general loved his wife dearly despite him being a “tough husband”.

“We ask all of us to emulate the life of Mujuru. People must have the kind of heart he had; a heart that always wanted to help others.

“I am not saying one does not do wrong. In most cases, people want to remember the wrongs, but culturally, we say, ‘wafa wanaka’. I know his life. He was a tough husband, I can tell you.

“Amai Mujuru deserves the medal of the most patient woman in marriage. Mai Mujuru, Mai Mujuru, you are a tough woman. They (Rtd Gen Mujuru and Vice-President Mujuru) were both soldiers. So, it was gun to gun!

“However, she said she would obey and submit. The Bible says obey your husband, but women today say we are equal. There are different roles for men and women.

“No… he loved and respected his wife. He told me quite a number of things about you, Amai Mujuru, things I never told you. They were all praises, of course. He loved you and I know you loved your husband.

“But God had other plans. I am glad you have accepted it and pledged a life of remembrance to him.”

President Mugabe also pledged support to the Mujuru family.

“We will give you as much support as we can. Do not fail to come to us with any problems you may encounter. When you talk over any difficulty with your friend, it lightens the burden on your heart.”

Representing Rtd Gen Mujuru’s liberation war colleagues, Minister of State Security Sydney Sekeramayi said the general was selfless and dedicated.

Speaking on behalf of Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Constantine Chiwenga and Air Force Commander Air Marshal Perence Shiri said Rtd Gen Mujuru was always determined to overcome any difficult situation.

Mr Joel Mujuru, the general’s brother, said the family had accepted that “people have different ways of dying”.

Rtd Gen Mujuru died after a fire broke out at his farm last year. The death was followed by speculation in the local and international media with reports insinuating foul play.

However, a subsequent inquest in which 39 witnesses testified concluded that he died after inhaling smoke.

Vice-President Nkomo, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, his deputy Thokozani Khupe, Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, Zanu-PF national chairman Ambassador Simon Khaya-Moyo, service chiefs and foreign diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe were among those who attended yesterday’s event which saw Mrs Mujuru remove her mourning badge.

Labels: JOICE MUJURU, ROBERT MUGABE, ZANU-PF

posted by MrK @ 4:48 AM