Cape Town – Zimbabwe’s higher education minister has described President Robert Mugabe as one of “Africa’s all-time greatest men”, saying even enemies of the 88-year old leader have envied his “encyclopaedic” memory, wisdom and courage.
Introducing Mugabe who was the guest of honour at the official launch of a Research and Intellectual Expo 2012 in Harare, Stan Mudenge spoke glowingly of the Zanu-PF leader for more than 20 minutes, according to NewsDay online.
Mudenge described Mugabe as a “colossal figure, a fountain of knowledge and wisdom, a teacher, father, a fearless and consistent politician”.
“He has been rated one of Africa’s all-time greatest men,” Mudenge gushed.
He said Finance Minister Tendai Biti, who is also MDC secretary general, had showered Mugabe with praises that matched those of former United States ambassador to Zimbabwe Charles Ray, who admitted Mugabe was intelligent and had a sharp memory.
“The Zimbabwean ambassador to Senegal, Trudy Stevenson… said the Senegalese say Mugabe is the greatest man who has stood firm against the colonisers,” Mudenge said.
“If all this is from his enemies, what will I say, a person who has worked with him?”, he said.
Mugabe shook his head while the auditorium burst into laughter.
When he took to the podium, Mugabe simply said: “After all what the minister of higher education has said and the various praises, I would like to say I, in a humble way, feel honoured to be invited to this event of academic dignitaries.”
Mugabe is the chancellor of all state universities in Zimbabwe.
