First Lady Grace Mugabe yesterday said no one in Zanu PF including President Robert Mugabe can stop her from doing whatever she wants.
Grace, who was in a combative mood at a rally at Murombedzi Growth Point in Zvimba, said ousted former Vice-President Joice Mujuru “fooled herself” thinking that Mugabe was going to stop her from attacking the ex-VP in the run up to Zanu PF’s December congress.
She warned ambitious ruling party bigwigs angling to topple her husband that they would also fall by the wayside.
At the rally, Hurungwe East MP and Women’s League secretary for finance Sarah Mahoka stunned the crowd when she chanted slogans denouncing people who were against the idea of Grace ruling the country.
“Pasi nevasingade kuti Amai (Grace) vatonge (Down with those who do not want Amai (Grace) to rule) . . . Pasi nevanoti Eva (in reference to the Biblical first woman, Eve) haatongi (down with those who say that Eve can’t rule),” Mahoka chanted during introductions.
While Mahoka’s slogan received a resounding applause from the rank and file, most officials at the top table among them Home Affairs minister Ignatius Chombo, Mines minister Walter Chidakwa and Senate president Edna Madzongwe appeared stunned.
Grace was instrumental in destroying Mujuru’s colourful political career last year after leading a spirited campaign against her through making various allegations ranging from corruption, witchcraft incompetence and plotting to assassinate Mugabe.
She said whether one participated in the liberation struggle or not, any party member was free to take up leadership positions in Zanu PF.
“When I went around country late last year denouncing the demon of factionalism they thought I was joking and that the President (Mugabe) was going to stop me. . . but alas, he didn’t, he kept quiet . . . and as an independent mature woman I spoke my mind because Zanu PF is my party and if I want to participate in its affairs no one can stop me,” Grace said.
The First Lady is now considered the second most powerful politician in the country and commands respect within the rank and file and the Zanu PF leadership, with the two Vice-Presidents, Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko reportedly consulting and taking notes from her on a regular basis. newsday
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