A mass to honor the Angolan nationalist Rui Mingas, who died on the 1st of this month, in the Portuguese capital, was held this Tuesday, at the Basílica da Estrela, in Lisbon
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.
In the message, the family states that Rui Mingas was a very humanistic 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 focused on the area of sport, from whom 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 said.
Architect Trofa Real highlighted that Angola loses a great figure who worked for peace and social justice for Angolans. Born in Luanda, Rui Mingas, author of the National Anthem, was also an athlete in the 1950s and 1960s, having competed in the high jump and the 110 meter hurdles, achieving a national record in Portugal in 1960. He is one of the authors from the song “Meninos do Huambo”.
In 1979, Rui Mingas assumed leadership, for 10 years, as minister, of the State Secretariat for Physical Education and Sports (SEEFD), being largely responsible for a period of the development of sport in Angola, as well as ambassador of Angola in Portugal. Poet, singer and composer, in 2014 he won 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.