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Zanu-PF Politburo members, the two MDC formations, war veterans and other political parties sent their condolences to President Mugabe and the Tekere family following the death of the gallant son of the soil.
Politburo member Cde Saviour Kasukuwere said Cde Tekere was a liberation icon who deserved the recognition he got.
“Cde Tekere was a father and founder of our revolution notwithstanding that he might have disagreed with people on other issues.

“The good thing about Cde Tekere is that despite having contrary views, he never pushed the white imperialist agenda. Yes, he formed a political party but it was not sponsored from outside.
“In his mind he knew he had to pursue national interests,” Cde Kasukuwere said.

In a statement, MDC-T said: “The MDC has learnt with great shock and sadness the untimely death of Mr Edgar Tekere, a veteran nationalist and fearless fighter for the independence and democracy in Zimbabwe.
“His contribution to the fight for freedom and democracy in Zimbabwe both before and after independence is undeniable.

“The struggle icon contributed immensely to the liberation of Zimbabwe and this remains indelibly imprinted in the annals of Zimbabwe’s history.”
Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara who heads the other MDC faction said Cde Tekere was a hero of heroes.

He said Cde Tekere’s heroism in terms of the struggle of independence of the country was unquestionable.
“He is a hero and a national inspiration to a lot of people.

“It is not possible to discuss the struggle for independence of Zimbabwe without invoking the role of Tekere.
“The political activism and nationalism of ’50s and ’60s, ’60s and ’70s, the name Edgar Tekere applies all over the place.

“In terms of the heroism this is as good as it gets,” DPM Mutambara said.
He said Cde Tekere was respected across the political divide.

President of the little-known African National Party, Mr Egypt Dzinemunhenzva Tsangadzaoma, said the country had been robbed of a revolutionary.
“The nation has been robbed of one of the greatest revolutionaries, someone who was dedicated to see Zimbabwe liberated.

“We started knowing each other in 1969 at a meeting in Zambia and the first time I saw him, I could tell that this was a great man, a visionary.
“As a party we want him considered for national hero status despite the fact that he formed another party,” Mr Tsangadzaoma said.

Zanu Ndonga chairman, Mr Reketayi Mushiwokufa Semwayo said: “Zanu Ndonga learnt with deep sorrow of the passing away of a gallant freedom fighter, Edgar Zivanai Tekere.
“Zanu Ndonga remembers and cherishes his contribution to the struggle for the emancipation of Zimbabwe.

“For Zanu Ndonga he represents a rare breed of a true hero never to be forgotten for fighting for the total ownership and control of resources.”

Zimbabwe National Liberation Supporters Association president, Cde Collins Gabriel Chipare said: “Zinalisa sends its condolences and heartfelt grief to the Tekere family and the Manicaland Province on the sad passing on of the maverick politician Cde Tekere.

“We at Zinalisa say Aluta Continua against disguised agents of oppression, sellouts and their cohorts.”