Africa-Press – Angola. A mass in honor of the Angolan nationalist Rui Mingas, who died on the 4th of this month, in Lisbon, was held this Tuesday, at the Basílica da Estrela, in the Portuguese capital.
During the mass, which was attended by family, friends and various entities, including the Angolan ambassador to Portugal, Maria de Jesus Ferreira, the figure of Rui Mingas was praised for his contribution to achieving National Independence.
In a message read on behalf of the family, Rui Mingas’ legacy for future generations was highlighted, stating that the nationalist was a very humanist person and that he liked to share his experiences with those closest to him.
In turn, architect José Santos said he worked with Rui Mingas on some projects for Angola linked to the area of sport, from whom he said he gained a lot of experience and knowledge about the country.
“Rui Mingas leaves, but leaves his mark on the world, we will remember him as someone who did a lot for his country”, he stressed, considering that Angola lost a great figure, who worked for peace and social justice for Angolans.
Born in Luanda and author of the National Anthem, Rui Mingas was also an athlete in the 1950s and 1960s, having competed in the high jump and the 110 meter hurdles, in which he achieved a Portuguese national record in 1960.
He wrote many songs and was one of the authors of the song “Meninos do Huambo”.
In 1979, Rui Mingas took over the leadership of the State Secretariat for Physical Education and Sports (SEEFD), for 10 years, with the rank of minister, being largely responsible for a period of the development of sport in Angola.
He was also Angola’s ambassador to Portugal.
Poet, singer and composer, Rui Mingas won, in 2014, a prize awarded by the Portuguese Society of Authors. In Portugal, he was also distinguished with the Lusophone Personality award, given by the International Lusophone Movement, in 2016.
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