Mugabe challenged by wife to name successor

July 27, 2017
| Report Focus News
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe (C) holds hands with Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa (L) and First Lady Grace Mugabe (R) during celebrations marking his birthday at the Great Zimbabwe monument in Masvingo on February 27, 2016. / AFP / JEKESAI NJIKIZANA (Photo credit should read JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP/Getty Images)

First Lady Grace Mugabe has reportedly challenged her husband Robert Mugabe to name his successor at the same time she took a swipe at those who have no respect for seniors in the party who are swaying other cadres using money from their foreign bases.

She strongly urged women to desist from factionalism and stick to the party principle of one centre of power. Using the biblical story of Adonijah who organised a feast to crown himself because his father the king was sick, Grace said the President has the right to be involved in naming his successor, saying the President’s word is final.

She said there is nothing wrong with Mugabe naming his successor saying the move will enable all members to rally behind one candidate.

The First Lady and Zanu PF Secretary for Women’s Affairs have challenged the President to name his successor saying this has been the trend in other countries.

Grace Mugabe also said several projects that the Women’s League has been working on that included the rehabilitation of the Mbuya Nehanda Training Centre in Melfort that has been renovated into a skills training institution for entrepreneurial projects, the Bulawayo Kraal Irrigation Scheme in Binga, the Marlborough House which is being rented out after renovation, chicks programme, Hippo Valley sugar cane project and provincial women’s league farms, all of which are aimed at income generating.

Kasinamunda expressed gratitude to Amai for Command Agriculture and requested that the First Lady conducts interface rallies in the provinces to meet the women.

1214: Speaking on behalf of the Women’s League Cde Joyce Kasinamunda declared President Mugabe their presidential candidate for 2018 and that the First Lady should also remain secretary for the Women’s League.

She was speaking at a meeting which was graced by  Mugabe, Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko, National Political Commissar  Saviour Kasukuwere, Secretary for Administration  Ignatius Chombo as well as some politburo and central committee members.