President Robert Mugabe is a poor man living a modest life because he is carrying the burden of Zimbabweans seeking economic emancipation from the oppressive Westerners, First Lady Grace Mugabe has claimed.
BY STAFF REPORTER
Speaking at Mataga growth point in Mberengwa in the Midlands Province on Friday, she said it has been reported that her husband was rich and had lots of money, but he was “just a simple man, who was passionate about the suffering people of Zimbabwe”.
“Where have you seen a person who commits their life to suffering for other people? Mugabe has committed his life to his life to suffering and he is suffering for you,” she said.
“You hear people lying that Mugabe has money, lots of money and even when the land reform started, some white farmers thought they could come to me because they thought, since I was young, I could be bought, they offered me $10 million and I refused. I am prepared to suffer for the people of Zimbabwe.”
Keep Reading
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Despite painting pictures of a suffering President, the First family owns and runs the multi-million dollar dairy company, Gushungo Dairy.
Mugabe has also been reported in some media circles to be one of the richest African Presidents.
Former Zanu PF spokesperson, Rugare Gumbo said he did not know Mugabe and his family were suffering at all.
“I don’t know if they are suffering or rich, but you can judge for yourself from the opulence in which they are living and tell me if that is poverty,” he said.
MDC-T spokesperson, Obert Gutu said the claims by Grace were grossly false and insulting to the people of Zimbabwe because their extravagant and lavish lifestyle was well documented.
“The false claims by Grace are a gross insult for suffering people of Zimbabwe and for Grace to falsely claim that her family is poor when the first family lifestyle is well in tandem with the rich and famous . . . This unmitigated arrogance is not only offensive, but extremely insulting to the suffering people of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Grace further said people should not envy her for staying in State House adding it was a painful experience and had constantly been praying to God for strength to go on.
“It’s painful to stay at the State House, I tell you it is painful because everyone will be looking up to you and wanting to know what you are going to do next,” she said.
Grace told villagers she had flown to the venue in a presidential helicopter and while it was the air she could see huts dotted far from each other and wondered how people would reach the venue.
On Friday Grace told a rally she often skips meals in solidarity with starving Zimbabweans.