Mugabe urges Africa to educate the girl child

President Robert Mugabe has called for more educational opportunities for the girl child in Africa as a way to accelerate development in the previously patriarchal dominated continent.

The African icon who recently handed over the chairmanship of the African Union after the expiry of his term was addressing scores of students and delegates who attended centenary celebrations for Fort Hare University in South Africa.

The President, who received a standing ovation which is now synonymous with his addresses within and outside the country's borders noted that Zimbabwe has made great strides in empowering women who previously were regarded as inferior to their male counterparts.

Turning to politics, Mugabe highlighted how the western world tried to effect a regime change agenda through the use of non-governmental organisations but faltered in their endeavour saying it is time Africa should fight for economic independence to avoid the dependency syndrome.

President Mugabe himself a graduate from the institution in 1951, is at the celebrations as a guest speaker for the university's alumni.