ZANU PF President and First Secretary Cde E.D Mnangagwa has described the late Cde Absolom Sikhosana as a great man highlighting that the country will be poorer without him.   Speaking during the burial at the National Heroes Acre, President Mnangagwa said the loss is for a national loss. “Our nation is in deep mourning following double tragedy we experienced last week two veterans of our liberation struggle the late Brigadier General Crispan Masuku and the late Absolom Sikhosana passed on. The two departed comrades shared a similar path, having participated in the struggle and in post independent Zimbabwe only to be separated   “On behalf of the Party, ZANU PF, the people and Government of Zimbabwe and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to take this opportunity to convey our deepest condolences to the Masuku family, foremost to his wife, Dr Nomathemba Ndiweni and his children, who have lost a dear husband, a loving father, a pillar of strength and source of wisdom.   We grieve with them over their huge loss which is our loss together. May his dear soul rest in eternal peace. “Fellow mourners and compatriots watching from home, we gather yet again at this our sacred National Heroes shrine to lay to rest another gallant son of the soil, nationalist, freedom fighter, a veteran trade unionist and indeed a national hero, Cde Absolom Sikhosana.”   President Mnangagwa said the late cadre’s death has brought a sombre mood to the nation. The late “Cde Nkosi” as he was affectionately known, succumbed to a heart ailment. His untimely death came as a great shock to me personally, to his colleagues in the politburo and the rank and file within the ruling ZANU PF party,” Cde Mnangagwa.   “The late Cde Sikhosana respected all people in equal measure and endeared himself to everyone in the process. He had an affectionate and infectious smile which he gave effortlessly and in abundance. It is difficult to come to terms with the fact that we will never see that smile again.   “We have lost a very humble man, Party stalwart, patriot and disciplined cadre who served his Party and country with utmost loyalty and unparalleled devotion. He has left a deep void within our Party and nation, we will be all poorer without him.   In this dark hour of solemn grief, may you all find solace in knowing that the nation is mourning with you and that we shall forever cherish his immense contribution to our nation.”   Cde Sikhosana has been laid to rest at the National Heroes Acre.