Former and long-time president Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, 95, died Thursday, September 5, in a Singapore hospital.
Zimbabwe's incumbent president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, said on Twitter that his predecessor was "an icon of liberation a pan-Africanist who dedicated his life to the emancipation and empowerment of the people," adding that Mugabe's "contribution to the history of Zimbabwe and Africa will never be forgotten."
Mugabe resigned as president less than two years ago. He was forced to step down by the military in November 2017 following nationwide mass protests. A former political prisoner and guerrilla leader, he ousted the Ian Smith and his government, coming to power in the 1980 elections after a growing rebellion and economic sanctions forced Rhodesia's white minority colonial government to the negotiating table.
Al Jazeera's correspondent Haru Mutasa, reporting from Johannesburg, South Africa, said many credit Mugabe with the country's high literacy rate.
"As a former teacher, he really tried to make sure as many blacks as possible got education when he came to power. He is credited for one of the highest literacy rates on the continent," Mutasa said.
"Meanwhile, many others blame him for the things that have gone wrong in Zimbabwe. Many blame him for ruining what was once a prosperous economy," she added.