Mugabe’s wife accepts party post
What you need to know:
- Zanu PF is reportedly divided into two factions loyal to Vice President Joice Mujuru and Justice minister Emmerson Mngangagwa who are said to be angling for the leadership of the party in case President Mugabe decides to retire.
- The First Lady on Thursday said those fanning factionalism in Zanu PF were “playing with fire.”
HARARE, Sunday
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe’s wife has accepted the nomination to lead the ruling party’s women wing saying she is ready to slug it out in politics.
First Lady Grace Mugabe told Zanu PF youths that it was now upto her husband whether she would join the party’s top decision making body, the politburo.
“This position (secretary of women’s league) is up to the president and first secretary of the party to choose a suitable candidate,” she said.
“I have committed myself to work with you…..I will talk to your leadership, but I am very strict. I will be with you to ensure that your concerns are addressed.”
Mrs Mugabe’s entry into politics has spawned speculation that she intends to succeed the 90 year-old leader who has been in power since 1980.
The outgoing leader of the Zanu PF’s women’s league Oppah Muchinguri has said she pushed for the First Lady’s nomination to stem factionalism in the party.
TWO FACTIONS
Zanu PF is reportedly divided into two factions loyal to Vice President Joice Mujuru and Justice minister Emmerson Mngangagwa who are said to be angling for the leadership of the party in case President Mugabe decides to retire.
Ms Mujuru has not commented about Mrs Mugabe’s entry into politics amid reports that her relationship with the veteran ruler is now strained because of the fluid succession battle in Zanu PF.
The First Lady on Thursday said those fanning factionalism in Zanu PF were “playing with fire.”
“My time has come to show people what I am made of,” she charged.
“I have been with President Mugabe for many years studying his leadership. I will emulate his candid and visionary leadership.
“People should learn to wait for their time. Patience pays.
“Here I am, I never dreamt of entering politics, but you have approached me to do so and I am ready to go.
“You said you want to work with me and I say yes, but you should know that I am strict.”
President Mugabe has shied away from anointing a successor but once remarked that neither Mr Mnangagwa nor Ms Mujuru were assured of landing the presidency.
