Så kom de første opfordringer fra Robert Mugabes parti om at få hans ambitiøse kone, Grace, som vicepræsident i Zimbabwe. Hun er 49, han 90 – præsidentens usædvanlige politiske overlevelsesinstinkt (magthaver i 34 år) viser nu tegn på dynastiske tilbøjeligheder.
LONDON, 15th September 2014: Member of Parliament for ZANU PF Justice Mayor Wadyajena has urged President Robert Mugabe’s wife, Grace, to challenge for the vice-presidential position at the party’s December congress, writes UK-based “New Zimbabwe” Monday.
Wadyajena told party supporters in his constituency over the weekend that following her attainment of a doctorate in philosophy on Friday, Grace should now go a step higher and secure the deputy presidency currently held by Joice Mujuru.
“On Friday the world was shocked to learn that Amai Grace Mugabe was graduating with a doctorate. She did not publicise her degree like what was done by others but she did so in silence,” Wadyajena said.
“As a party we are delighted that she has attained the highest level of education expected and she has done so at a time when the women’s league has endorsed her to be their boss”.
“I want to say this today, we don’t want her to end there (women’s league), we are saying, she should go higher, even to the presidium. She has the qualities which could make her challenge even for the vice-presidency of the party,” he said much to the ululation (jubel) of party activists.
“The sky should be the limit for her. No one should stand in the way,” Wadyajena said.
It was not clear whether Wadyajena was making this proposal in his personal capacity or was part of the intricate succession politics gripping Zanu PF.
Mujuru is locked in a fierce tussle for power against a faction led by Justice Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The succession issue has however been complicated further after Grace was nominated to lead the Zanu PF’s powerful women’s league.
Some political commentators have warned that Grace will not be content with leading the women’s league but had political ambitions of her own.
Hun er Amai – vor mor
Wadyajena, who is said to be in the Mnangagwa faction, said Grace is the only woman in Zanu PF who should be referred to as “Amai” (Mother) because she has demonstrated her motherly qualities through her orphanage in Mazowe.
The comment could also have been targeted at Mujuru who is also often referred to as Mai Mujuru, an expression of endearment and respect in Shona.
Wadyajena’s comments come a few days after Mashonaland Central Minister for Provincial Affairs, Martin Dinha, said Grace could rise higher than being secretary for women’s affairs if she so desired.
He was speaking during a visit by traditional leaders at Grace’s Mazowe orphanage two weeks ago.
“This is a freedom train, you have to jump in or you are left behind,” he said.
Dinha urged Grace Mugabe not to be scared adding the whole country was behind her political ambitions and goals.
“Even if we are beaten or insulted, we do not care. We will stand by you,” Dinha said.
Grace told the chiefs that she was ready to face any challenges in the political race she had just entered.
Zanu PF is headed for what could turn out to be a stormy elective congress in December with all posts, apart from President Mugabe’s, up for grabs.
Mere om Grace Mugabe på http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_Mugabe
Kilde: New Zimbabwe (UK) – se http://www.newzimbabwe.com
