Mnangagwa mourns ‘friend’ SB Moyo

THE death early this morning of our Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Rtd Lieutenant General, Dr S.B. Moyo, after COVID-19-related complications, has come to all of us as a great shock.

Born in 1960 at Munene Hospital in Mberengwa, the late Dr Moyo interrupted his high school studies to join the liberation struggle and distinguished himself as a courageous freedom fighter who helped liberate our country from colonialism.

At independence, he would attest into the Zimbabwe National Army which he served with gallantry and characteristic loyalty.

Indeed, he would rapidly rise through the ranks until he became part of the top command of our security establishment.

In 2017, I appointed him our Minister of Foreign Affairs, later adding International Trade to the portfolio and his bundle of responsibilities.

In that onerous role, our nation relied on him for a determined execution of our engagement and re-engagement policy through which we sought to embrace the rest of the world while repairing relations with those countries which had taken positions against us over our legitimate and principled decision to recover our heritage, principally land.

He persistently deployed patient and dignified diplomacy, even against difficult and often hostile interlocutors.

Through that patience and perseverance, Zimbabwe has expanded friendships and registered significant diplomatic gains and victories across the globe.

A distinguished scholar, Dr Moyo delicately balanced his time between his responsibilities and chores as a soldier and his pursuit of higher studies.

Such was his discipline and unrelenting quest for self-improvement which inspired all.

On behalf of the ruling party, Zanu PF, government, my family, on my own behalf and that of our entire nation, I wish to express my sincere and deep heartfelt condolences to the Moyo family.

My heart goes out especially to his wife, Justice Matanda-Moyo, and to the children on this their saddest loss.

In condoling with them, I urge them to derive solace and comfort from the distinguished role

Dr Moyo played in the service of his people and nation, for which he shall be remembered and honoured across generations.

May his dear soul rest in eternal peace.”