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1440: The body of the former President is now leaving the National Sports Stadium. Other heads of state and dignitaries led by President Mnagagwa leave the stadium marking an end to our live updates.

1438: The release of 95 doves amid wild cheers from the crowd signals the end of the programme.

1435: The National Anthem is now being sung.

1430: Members of the Presidential Guard conduct a gun salute in honour of former President Mugabe.

1407: It is now time for body viewing by close family members and diplomats.

1405: President Mnangagwa finishes his address, says we will be guided by the Mugabe family on the funeral arrangements.

1404: He urges the west to honour former President Mugabe by removing the harsh sanctions.

1400: Says our arms are stretched out for genuine friendship and calls for the immediate lifting of sanctions.

1354: Says our land reform programe will never b reversed and that the challenge now is to be productive.

1350: Says thanks to the former President Africa is forever free.

1348: He assures the former first lady support during this time of grieving.

1345: President Mnangagwa expresses gratitude to the former first lady Grace for looking after and taking care of the former President.

1340: President Mnangagwa expresses his heartfelt condolences to the nation, the former first lady Grace Mugabe and his children at large.

1338: Minister Mathema invites President Mnangagwa to deliver his key note address.

1335: Russian envoy describes former President Mugabe as an icon of Africa’s liberation.

1330: He says the Chinese people have been deprived of an old and good friend. He says China cherishes its relationship with Zimbabwe and stands committed to assist the country.

1320: Chinese special envoy now delivering his address.

1317: Former President of Namibia Sam Nujoma is now delivering his speech.

1315: He said his government is working hard to encourage social cohesion, and to ensure South Africans learn to embrace foreigners.

1312: President Ramaphosa has apologised for the recent xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa, this time amid wild cheers from the crowd.

1309: President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa is now delivering his speech. The crowd is booing at him.

1300: Minister Mathema invites Vice President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu to deliver her speech.

1254: JJ Rawlings describes former President Mugabe as a pioneer of black assertiveness and a formidable warrior of the African continent.

1253: Minister Mathema invites Jerry John Rawlings, the former President of Ghana to deliver his speech.

1249: President Brahim Ghali has described the late former President as an immortal leader whose efforts to defend Africa will live on long after his departure. He called for the immediate removal of illegal sanctions to improve the day to day lives of Zimbabweans.

1240: Minister Mathema invites President of the Sahrawi Republic Brahim Ghali to deliver his speech.

1235: President Kenyatta has described the late nationalist as an embodiment of pan Americanism. He called upon African leaders to continue defending African sovereign rights as a tribute to the late former President.

1231: Minister Mathema invites Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta to deliver his speech.

1230: President Teodoro Obiang Nguema has describes the late former President as a defender of African sovereignty.

1220: Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Cain Mathema invites Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo to deliver his speech.

1200: Eulogies and tributes have begun, the Mugabe family representative Walter Chidhakwa is now addressing mourners.

1137: The Body of the late former President Mugabe now lies in state.

 

1130: Funeral cortege led by President Mnangagwa is now in procession.

1122: President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived.

1120: President of the Sahrawi Republic Brahim Ghali has arrived.

1118: Malawi President Peter Mutharika and Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde have also arrived.

1116: President of Namibia Hage Geingob has arrived. He is accompanied by the First Lady of Namibia.

1114: Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi has arrived.

1111: President of Angola João Lourenço has arrived.

1057: President of Zambia Edgar Lungu has just arrived

1053: Former President of Mozambique Joaquim Chissano has also arrived

1053: President of Equatorial Guinnea Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and former President of Zambia Kenneth Kaunda are now here.

1050: President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta has arrived.

1049: Former Presidents of DRC and Namibia Joseph Kabila and Hifikepunye Pohamba, respectively, have just arrived.

1048: Former Presidents of Zambia and Ghana Rupiya Banda and Jerry Rollings have arrived

1032: Former President of Botswana Festus Mogae has also arrived

1031: Former President of Nigeria Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has arrived

1024: Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has arrived.

1014: Several dignitaries that include current and former presidents are also making their way into the stadium.

1000: President Mnangagwa and the First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa have arrived.

0950: We are at the national sports stadium for the funeral service of  Zimbabwe’s founding father Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe.