We, in the Economic Emancipation Movement, send our heartfelt and revolutionary condolences on the passing of a musical tour of centuries, Oliver Tuku Mtukudzi. We wish comfort to the hearts of his family, relatives, friends, Zimbabweans, and the world in general.

In his famous work, Neria, Tuku already prepares us, and our hearts, on the passing of a husband, a lover. He extols the virtue of a strong heart in the hour of human loss to death. Tuku paints death as jealous, and calls on the widow to be strong in her heart, because God is with her.

We are Neria, the woman who has lost Tuku. We must receive the message of Tuku to Neria with open hearts, and allow strength in this hour of doubt, turmoil, and confusion.

The death of Tuku, like his life, is a rebuke to as all, never to lose heart, and never to give in to despondency. He falls when Zimbabwe, his lover and pride, is facing violent winds of social injustice. He falls when the ordinary, defenseless citizen, is facing gun carrying soldiers who seek to suppress a free human spirit. He falls in the hour when Hope is most urgent in the body politic of his people.

We call on Zimbabwe, like Tuku did with Neria, “don’t be disheartened, God is with you”. The winds of change are upon you, but they are here to make you, and not break you, don’t be disheartened.

We shall drink forever from Tuku’s musical genius, both as the people of the South, and as the world. We shall cherish his heritage and preserve it all the days of our lives.

The economic emancipation revolution salutes Tuku; we dig our flags in honour of his artistic prose and signature, knowing that he has not died, but multiplied.
May his soul rest in eternal and perfect peace.

ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS
Mbuyiserd Ndlori (National Spokesperson): 076 834 7308
Sixolise Gcilishe (National Communications Manager): 071 142 1663