General declared national hero

before burial the following day.
The Politburo met briefly and unanimously declared him a national hero.

Zanu-PF national chairman Cde Simon Khaya Moyo led a delegation to the Mujuru residence in Chisipite to convey the message to Vice President Joice Mujuru and the family.
Cde Khaya-Moyo said the decision was unanimous.
“What do we debate on a man who brought us Zimbabwe, who delivered Zimbabwe except to express our gratitude to say thank you, thank you, thank you?

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“He will naturally join the other departed leaders Vice Presidents Joshua Nkomo, Simon Muzenda, stalwarts Leopold Takawira, Jaison Ziyapapa Moyo, Commanders Josiah Magama Tongogara, Nikita Mangena and many others,” he said.
Cde Khaya Moyo said the death shocked everyone including President Mugabe, whom he said was clearly devastated when he left for the Sadc Summit in Angola.
He said this was a difficult time for Amai Mujuru, the family and the whole country.

“A very difficult time because the sun has set. The sun has set because we have lost a great man, a great commander, a man of impeccable liberation war credentials who led from the front, a digestive thinker, a man who was gifted, a man who loved his country, wife, children and who loved us all,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.
Vice President John Nkomo sent his condolence message to President Mugabe and the Mujuru family yesterday.

“Your Excellency, I received the news of the sad and untimely passing on of our colleague in the Politburo General Solomon Mujuru, with disbelief and great shock.
“The horrific loss must be heart-rending to my counterpart Amai Mujuru and her family who have lost a loving husband, father and grandfather.

“They however, should take solace in that this loss is not only a loss to their family but to Zanu-PF and the nation at large,” he said.
VP Nkomo added: “On behalf of my family, members of staff in my office, the leadership and entire membership of Zanu-PF in Matebeleland region and on my own behalf, I wish to send our heartfelt condolences to you the First Secretary and President of Zanu-PF (Cde Mugabe), Amai Mujuru and her family, the Zanu-PF Politburo and the Zanu-PF Mashonaland East provincial leadership and grassroots members and the entire Zanu-PF membership.”

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai also expressed his sorrow.
“It is with deep sorrow and grief that I learnt of the death of Retired General Solomon Tapfumaneyi Mujuru, one of the undisputed national heroes of this country.

“Rtd General Mujuru, the founding commander of our national army after independence, will be greatly remembered for his sterling role in the liberation struggle and his outstanding and distinguished service in our military,” he said.

PM Tsvangirai said Zimbabwe had lost a patriot who served his country with honour and distinction.
“The painful national story of our liberation cannot be told without mentioning the name Rex Nhongo, a true and gallant son of the soil. Though he died in very tragic circumstances, it is befitting that he died in the month that we celebrate and cherish the rich legacy of our national heroes.

“My sincere condolences go to the Vice President, Amai Mujuru, on the sad loss of a dear husband. My condolences go as well to the Mujuru family at large on the sad loss of a beloved relative. This is not their loss alone. We join them in their grief and Zimbabwe is a lot poorer following this tragic loss of an icon,” PM Tsvangirai said.
Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda said the country had lost a gallant leader.

“This fateful occurrence has robbed the country of an outstanding patriot, gallant leader and military strategist par excellence.
“The deep sense of mourning that currently engulfs the entire spectrum of our society is a clear testimony of the high esteem by which he was held for his great contribution to the overall wellbeing of the country.

“While we mourn over this irreplaceable loss, may you draw solace from the fact that the country as a whole stand with you during this difficult period.
“We pray that the Lord may strengthen you and the whole family as you come to terms with this cruel blow of fate,” Dr Sibanda said.

Zanu-PF secretary for administration Cde Didymus Mutasa said Gen Mujuru had worked well and closely with the party.
Cde Mutasa also handed over a cash token to Acting President Mujuru from Zanu-PF.
Gen Mujuru’s elder brother Joel, said the coming of party members demonstrated the bond that existed between his brother and the party.

He said the family would be guided by Zanu-PF right up to the end of the funeral.
Acting President Mujuru said Cdes Khaya Moyo and Mutasa’s words demonstrated the sterling work Gen Mujuru did in Zipra and Zanla.
“Ava (Cdes SK Moyo) vataura vaiva naSolomon kuZIPRA ava (Cde Mutasa) vaiva naye kuZanla saka zvizhinji zvavanoziva panaSolomon zvandisingazivi semudzimai wacho. Ndinechokwadi mazviona kuti he wasn’t a tribalist,” she said.

Cde Mujuru paid tribute to Zanu-PF and everyone for being with her in these hard times.
“Rudo rwenyu, kuwadzana kwenyu iyezvino ndavakunyanya kuzvida. Mandibatsira sevamwe vedu. Mukuru wedu wemusangano (President Mugabe) haapo asi mandiitira zvatoomesa maziso angu.
“If we need an answer God will give us the response. Don’t be troubled. What Solomon wanted was for us to be united,” she said.

United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe Charles Ray also sent his condolence messages to VP Mujuru.
“I would like to offer you my deepest condolences on your family’s loss. General Mujuru was a larger than life figure in Zimbabwe and a revered and inspirational leader during the challenging period of Zimbabwe’s transition to freedom.

“His long and illustrious career in government reflects his commitment to service and a desire to improve the lives of Zimbabweans. I am certain he will be deeply missed by everyone,” he said.