By Hon C Matewu| Travel safe Save … was the last words he said to me as we sat having breakfat at Continental Hotel Bulawayo, in February 2017. Little did i know this would be the very last time i would see him.

I was very fond of him and called him father, hailing from the same Nerutanga tribe in Buhera of the Dziva totem. I always looked up to him for advice. Mr President was very humble and down to earth, soft spoken and extremely caring.

My President loved this country and its people; he cared about the struggling masses and made a determination to better our lives. He did not care about self enrichment or grabbing farms and companies as most who enter the top echelons of power do. He embodied the essence of social democracy, valued solidarity and social justice for all, elimination of poverty was his vision.

He questioned me why i would want to live a promising carrer in England, youngest senior manager at Bournemouth University at the time; to join politics in Zimbabwe. I told him that he himself had sacrificed his life for the freedom of our people, this was the epitome of selflessness and vigor to see a new and prosperous Zimbabwe that caters for all.

President Tsvangirai was NO sellout, after the stolen 2013 elections he big not beg to join Mugabe or ponder to continue enjoying government goodies at the behest of the people. He went back to the trenches as he understood that we were in a struggle not for ourselves but for our people. I learnt from him that you must always be with the people, regardless of any persecutions or riches that are thrown in front of you.

President Tsvangirai remains an icon, a great inspiration and resolute leader who died for our freedom.

Sambiri we will always cherish and love you. We shall continue what you taught us, we will never sleep with the devil for personal gain. We are prepared to die for the sack of your legacy.

May your soul rest in peace till we meet again

Hon Caston Matewu