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veteran nationalist and national hero Cde Edgar Tekere.
Cde Tekere received an emotional send off from mourners who included officials across the political divide.
Proceedings started at Stodart Hall in Mbare where crowds of mourners woke up as early as 6am to view the nationalist’s body.
Acting President John Landa Nkomo led mourners in viewing the body, followed by Deputy Prime Minister Professor Arthur Mutambara, Retired General Solomon Mujuru and some senior Zanu-PF and Government officials.
Manicaland Province was well-represented as mourners were bused to Harare for the burial.
After body viewing, the funeral cortege proceeded to the National Heroes Acre where it was received with ululation, chimurenga songs and dance.
MDC-T officials who included depu-ty chairperson Mr Morgan Komichi, spokesperson Mr Douglas Mwonzora, Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development Deputy Minister Ms Jessie Majome and MPs attended the burial.
MDC-N Vice President, Mr Edwin Mushoriwa was also present together with MDC-99 leader Job Sikhala.
Anglican Diocese for Harare Province, Bishop Chad Gandiya read the scriptures.
He described Cde Tekere as an undisputed hero.
Master of Ceremonies and Co-Home Affairs Minister, Cde Kembo Mohadi said: “Cde Tekere was a revolutionary par excellence. The constituency of all revolutionaries is diminishing by the day and as we gather here today we are reminded of those who have left. We want to thank them for what they have done for this country including Cde Two Boy.”
Family spokesperson, Mr Stephen Kada, thanked people who assisted the late nationalist during his illness.
He also thanked the Government for its assistance and the Zanu-PF leadership for conferring Cde Tekere with the national hero status.
Mr Kada described Cde Tekere as a person who stood for the rights of the people.
“Cde Tekere had the courage to confront what he didn’t like. He had the courage to stand for the oppressed and he respected people of every status and level. He spoke for the rights of the down-trodden and he was very selfless. He had a passion for moral uprightness.
“Any abuse of people met with violent reaction from Two Boy. When Two Boy’s big brothers were beaten up by other people, they would go and report to Edgar that they have been attacked and Edgar would deal with those people,” Mr Kada said.
In separate interviews, Zanu-PF Politburo members described Cde Te-kere as someone who stood for what he believed in.
Zanu-PF national secretary for Education in the Politburo, Cde Sikhanyiso Ndlovu, said Cde Tekere was a focused and brave cadre who did not go back on his word.
“Whatever he would have decided, he would stick to his words, come rain come thunder. He ,however, listened to advice.
“Where he went wrong he was adamant and we were also adamant especially during the disturbances in Matabeleland-Gukurahundi. He had volunteered to lead the 5 Brigade.
“I told him we fought the liberation struggle together and that the attack on Matabeleland people should end. At the end of the day, reason prevailed and this saw us negotiating and cementing good relations within the new truly Government of national unity,” Cde Ndlovu said.
He said Cde Tekere might have made his mistakes, but indicated that his contribution to the liberation struggle outweighed those mistakes.
He, however, urged the party to be consistent in conferring national hero status on cadres who would have played a big role during the liberation struggle.
He said the party should forgive those who would have diverted from it for various reasons.
“We must learn to forgive if some of us have made mistakes. The conferment of hero status on Cde Tekere is a sign of forgiveness. We would want this to be applied to all liberation heroes. It is a shame that Cde Thenjiwe Lesabe had other views and she joined a party she did not form but wasn’t forgiven, yet Cde Tekere formed his party and was forgiven.
“However, let me point out that I believe in majority decision and I stand by what the party has decided. I have forgiven and that is why I am here,” Cde Ndlovu said.
Cde Stan Mudenge who is Zanu-PF secretary for External Affairs, said Cde Tekere was a man of principle.
“Cde Tekere loved his country and people. He sacrificed his life for the liberation of this country. He is one such man whom Zimbabweans are crying for.”
Politburo committee member, Amai Victoria Chitepo said: “He lived a dedicated life and this is a challenge for the young people to carry the torch on from where heroes like Cde Tekere left.
“An era for Cde Tekere might be closing, so young people must carry on with the struggle because it hasn’t ended.
“The struggle is for the future of Zimbabwe and that depends on the young generation to take it up. The youths should defend the revolution to show that Cde Tekere’s dedication wasn’t in vain.”
Online Reporter