By Munesu Chigada
Harare, Zimbabwe (News of the South) – President Robert Mugabe has hailed former Botswana leader Sir Ketumile Masire, who died last week, as a great leader who supported his own country over many years.
The 93 year old Zanu-PF leader said these remarks whilst paying respect to the Masire family.
“We come here in tears because the man we are here to bid farewell is a man who often rolled out the welcome mat to us regardless of the matter at hand.
“His ear was always willing to listen, whether the issue to be discussed was weighty or light”.
Mugabe praised Master for his standout character which he said many other people could testify about.
“We came in tears because the man we have lost was virtuous and humble”.
“I know that I’m not the only witness to the depth of character that Sir Ketumile Masire reflected, commanding respect without ever demanding it,” Mugabe said.
“We come in tears because we feel robbed, losing the man who lies before us, a leader who was was such an asset to us in so many ways… Sir Ketumile Masire was a dear comrade, dear brother and dear friend,” he added.
Mugabe also paid tribute to the role that Masire played during the liberation struggles of the southern region.
“The death of Sir Ketumile Masire has not only robbed Botswana of a great leader but has also deprived southern Africa and out entire continent of a great statesman, who served with valour and honour”
“When he (Masire) took over as president of Botswana in July 1980, the liberation struggles in South Africa and Namibia were at their peak. President Masire would not be intimidated by the might of the apartheid army into submission as Botswana continued to render assistance to the liberation movements of both countries,” said Mugabe.
Masire, 91, died in hospital last week.
Masire was the president of Botswana from 1980 to 1998.
He led various diplomatic initiatives in Africa, including chairing a panel that investigated the 1994 Rwanda genocide, and co-ordinating the Inter-Congolese National Dialogue.
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