PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe has paid a glowing tribute to the late Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa, his arch-critic, for his "courage" and "frankness," state radio reported on Wednesday.
"Mwanawasa was a very courageous leader. He was very frank and wanted to change not only his country but the entire southern African region. We will greatly miss him," the radio quoted him as saying on arrival in Lusaka, late Tuesday, for Mwanawasa's burial.
At least 10 of the 15 African heads of state expected for Wednesday's burial are already in Lusaka, officials said.
Besides President Mugabe, Presidents Ian Khama of Botswana and Bingu wa Mutharika of Malawi and Lesotho Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili have arrived in the Zambian capital, Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation said on its website.
A representative of Britain's Queen Elizabeth, the Duke of Gloucester and Lord Malloch Brown, Minister for Africa, have also arrived along with German and Chinese official delegations, the radio said.
A top US delegation will also attend the funeral, a White House statement said.
Tanzanian President Jakaya Kiwete, and South African President Thabo Mbeki, who is the chairman of the 15-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC) are scheduled to deliver speeches at the occasion on behalf of their organisation.
The burial will follow a church service, according to the official programme.
Mwanawasa was until his death chairman of the SADC and one of the few African leaders to speak out against Mugabe's policies.
President Mbeki took over the leadership of the SADC during a summit of the body in Johannesburg last month.
Mwanawasa, 59, who died in a Paris hospital on August 19 after suffering a stroke, will be buried at EmbassyPark, situated outside the presidential secretariat.
Mwanawasa, married and father of six, was a trained lawyer.
AFP
Botswana's President Ian Khama pays his last respects to late Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa (Photo credit: AFP)
n/a • n/a Subject: Bob's Policies Sat, 06 Sep 2008 05:52:23 • Whilst definitely not being a ZanuPF supporter, simply against many of the policies they seem to adopt at the drop of a hat, I will put my political grievances aside and salute Robert Mugabe. No matter how difficult the times and proud - he put his differences and pride (and boy do we know he has Pride) aside and did the honourable thing. This is truly African. It is times like these that we are once again reminded of how much we once loved this man. Unfortunately it's the name of the game. Well done RGM, you did good!!!!!
Nova, Edinburgh • na. Subject: FORGIVENESS IS THE ONLY CRITERIA Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:32:27 • JM: Thank you for asking.
Respect begets respect - and respecting our elders is what traditional Zimbabweans adhere to, and by
being a true statesman uMugabe is showing
the youngsters that only in death are we all equal, and forgiveness is the only criteria.
Perhaps you are not old enough to understand the
true meaning of Forgiveness, but do not lose heart because one day it will all make sense to you.
Changamire Dombo • ChangamireDombo@rocketmail.com Subject: Gushungo Vahombe Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:38:15 • To Gushungo, Well done.
You truly a remarkable man and that leaves a lot of not only bamboozled but dazzled.
Tinozongoshayiwa bedzi kona yamuri kurasikira tiri mu-Round Hut.
Makachema nepeduwo Baba.
May His Dear Departed Soul Forever Rest In Peace.
Aluta continua!
Tisu Vatongi • tisu@hotmail.com Subject: Long Live Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:30:08 • Man amongst men! Did anyone hear what Ian Khama said, or Jean Ping, or Nigeria's ailing President.....
Mugabe knows that to disagree is not to be enemies...and of course...Tichavatonga kusvikira madhongi amera nyanga!
JM • n/a Subject: WHAT EXAMPLE NOVA Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:40:46 • Nova in Sctland ..what example exactly does Mugabe set for the young ?.....................it is better you remain in white Scotland because you are very naive...
Bright • brightmayor2005@yahoo.com Subject: PHENOMENALLY MAN (MUGABE) Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:04:05 • POLITICS IS A GAME MADE FOR THE WISE AND MATURED (IN MIND) PEOPLE, WELL DONE LORD MUGABE. THERE S WISE SAYING ......NEVER HATE YOUR ENEMY COS IT AFFECTS YOUR JUDGEMENT. PHENOMENALLY MAN THATS WHAT YOU ARE,,, BELIEVE WESTERNS KNOWS THAT
Nova, Edinburgh • na Subject: THE DIFFERENCE Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:17:25 • That is what makes uMugabe a true statesmen - he sticks to the traditional way of things and in so doing sets an example to the young!
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