PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday expressed shock and grief following the death of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Sibusiso Moyo (SB), describing him as a distinguished scholar whose patience and dignified diplomacy saw the country expanding friendships and registering significant diplomatic gains across the globe.

Dr Moyo (59) succumbed to Covid-19 yesterday morning at a local hospital.

He became popular because of the role he played during Operation Restore Legacy.

Dr Moyo read the November 15, 2017 speech that heralded the new political dispensation in Zimbabwe. He became a household name for displaying unparalleled bravery.

In his condolence message, President Mnangagwa said Dr Moyo will be remembered by generations to come for his dedication to his country.

“The death early this morning of our Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Major-General (Rtd) Dr SB Moyo, after Covid-19 related complications has come to all of us as a great shock. On behalf of the ruling party, Zanu-PF, Government, my family, on my own and that of our entire nation, I wish to express my sincere and deep heartfelt condolences to the Moyo family,” he said.

“My heart goes out especially to his wife, Justice Matanda-Moyo, and to the children on 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 the nation, for which he shall be remembered and honoured across generations.”

President Mnangagwa said the late Dr Moyo whom he appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 2017, was determined in executing the Second Republic’s engagement and re-engagement policy through which the country sought to mend relations with the Western countries that imposed illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe.- Chronicle