The death of Robert Mugabe was sure to spark a clash of emotions around the world. He was both Zimbabwe's liberator and an authoritarian leader who led the country into economic ruin. South African political parties offered widely differing tributes on Friday.
Summarising the extremes of Mugabe's reputation after 37 years in power is a difficult task for any organisation, with equal amounts of criticism and praise. The ANC, DA and EFF all had this to say about “Uncle Bob's” passing:
Reactions to the death of Robert Mugabe in South Africa
ANC expresses mixed emotions
South Africa's ruling party, which often clashed with President Robert Mugabe, paid tribute to the “brotherly relationship” the two presidents shared with the Zimbabwean leader. The ANC praised Mugabe as a “long-time friend” and argued that history has yet to decide whether his legacy will be good or bad.
“Comrade Mugabe epitomized the 'New African' who shook off colonial shackles and worked to ensure his country's place in the international community. He was a long-time friend and inspiration to the ANC and a staunch supporter of African unity.”
“The ANC may have differed with Comrade Mugabe on issues concerning the national interest but as fraternal organisations we hold the principle of sovereignty as sacrosanct. Only history will judge whether our leaders have acted correctly.”
ANC statement
The ANC mourns the death of friend, statesman and revolutionary comrade Robert Mugabe#RIPMagbe #RIPRobertMugabe #Zimbabwe pic.twitter.com/fAtwjmDoF4
— African National Congress (@MYANC) September 6, 2019
DA calls Robert Mugabe a 'tyrannical dictator'
But the DA took no such neutral stance. The official opposition party denounced Mugabe as a “tyrannical” dictator with a terrible human rights record. They believe his legacy is tarnished and that “Uncle Bob” is the root cause of the major problems facing Zimbabweans today.
“President Mugabe oversaw Zimbabwe's emergence as an independent and prosperous republic, but he also oversaw its decline into a tyrannical dictatorship that violently suppressed opposition and brutalized civilians.”
“Zimbabwe and its people have suffered greatly from this decline. The repressive regime left by President Mugabe is now being used by his former successors to continue to deny Zimbabweans their fundamental human rights.”
DA Statement
Mugabe's legacy is that of a liberator who unfortunately failed to free his own people from poverty and despair.
My condolences to the family and loved ones of former President Robert Mugabe.
May his soul rest in peace.
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) September 6, 2019
EFF praises 'selfless' Mugabe
The warmest tributes have come from the EFF and Julius Malema's allies, who have chosen to ignore the brutal side of the Zanu PF regime and celebrate Robert Mugabe as a liberation hero, describing the 95-year-old as a “brave and fearsome man” who stood for his beliefs.
“President Mugabe led a struggle with distinction and commitment. As a people, we owe many of our democratic freedoms to President Mugabe. We pay tribute to his courage and formidable strength in standing up to the imperialists and their subversion plots against Zimbabwe. His legacy will bear fruit for the Zimbabwean people in the years to come.”
EFF statement
EFF statement on the death of President Robert Mugabe. pic.twitter.com/V5vzn7UR1x
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) September 6, 2019