The Sunday Mail
Midlands Bureau
Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa has commended Zimbabweans for remaining resolute, especially in 2008 when the illegal regime change agenda reached a crescendo.
Addressing mourners at the burial of Lucious Moyo — Zanu-PF deputy secretary for administration Cde July Moyo’s younger brother — in Humbani Village in Mberengwa yesterday, VP Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe was a unitary State.
Moyo (61) died in a car accident on last Monday in Gwanda.
“Zimbabwe is a unitary State and Zimbabweans have remained resolute. They have continued supporting the revolutionary party under the leadership of President Mugabe,” he said.
“In 2008, we were under siege from external forces, but it is through areas like Mberengwa that we remained in power and that must be commended.”
He said he was happy that the mourners were from all walks of life and spoke different languages.
“That is the true reflection of the Zimbabwe we live in. You might be Ndebele, Shona or any other tribe . . . It is indeed gratifying to note that you are accepted anywhere in the country.”
VP Mnangagwa said Zimbabweans should not forget that Independce came via a protracted liberation struggle that delivered freedom of expression and association, among other liberties.
He urged the Moyo family to remain united during the bereavement.
“We are all moving graves and we have come to bury Moyo here. When our time comes, we will also leave this earth . . . A t 61, he was a baby because in Zanu-PF, we are blessed — we live for many years.”
Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs Minister Abednego Ncube said Cde Moyo was a hard worker and unifier.
“We are devastated. I can’t even express the pain I am feeling now. We have lost a great worker, a dedicated person who loved his work,” said Cde Ncube; with Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi adding: “He worked with the people from the grassroots going up and will be missed.”
Cde July Moyo expressed his grief.
“He worked well with the family and other people. A great void has been created. I don’t know how it is going to be filled.”
Dignitaries at the burial included Economic Planning Minister Simon Khaya Moyo, Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi and Minister of State for Liaising on Psychomotor Activities in Education and Vocational Training Josiah Hungwe.
