'Mugabe like wine, gets better with age' - Wife says

TO President Mugabe, age is not coming alone but is accompanied by the proverbial wisdom as the President continues to have an unparalleled, firm grasp of all important issues, First Lady Grace Mugabe has said.

Mugabe made the remarks in her speech at the 21st February Movement commemorations here yesterday.

The First Lady described President Mugabe, who turned 93 last week, as a "very intelligent person" whose mind continues to get sharper despite his advanced age.

"The bottom line is that President Mugabe is a very intelligent person, who has a very sharp memory, which, like wine, gets better with age, again a rare gift from God," she said.

Mugabe said she was privileged to have shared many years with President Mugabe as the First Family had moments just like any other couple.

She said she had borne witness to President Mugabe's special attribute as a "moving encyclopaedia" proficient in grasping issues of all kind.

"As my husband and colleague, I live with him, cook for him, share the table with him and discuss many issues as a family.

"In other words, we share so many intimate discussions together, as many ordinary couples do.

"The President is a moving encyclopaedia, a very knowledgeable person, who is widely read and one who is at ease with himself on any subject.

"He is very amazing at the manner he grasps issues, be they political, social, economic or cultural."

Amai Mugabe said the 21st February Movement commemorations underscored the need to celebrate President Mugabe's upright leadership and exhorting his character of adhering to principle.

"Today's event, which is being hosted on behalf of us by the Zanu-PF Youth League, is a continuation, albeit on a larger scale, of the celebrations we commenced on 21st February 2017, in recognition of our esteemed leader.

"The principles he stood for yesterday, remain true today and long into the future.

"True to his principled leadership he has on numerous occasions given us free advice when he said. 'You don't sacrifice principle on the altar of expediency. You cannot be a revolutionary cadre yesterday only to sell out your birthright today. That's called betrayal of your principle, and betrayal of your country. A person who prevaricates is never fit to be a leader'".

Amai Mugabe said President Mugabe's firm stance and philosophy had invited the wrath of Britain and its western allies who imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe as a knee-jerk reaction to the Government's pro-people stance on land, indigenisation and empowerment.

"Our erstwhile colonisers are fighting tooth and nail, to make sure that these policies do not succeed. If they do, the President would naturally be vindicated and the ripple effects will be catastrophic to the cannibal interests of the Western world in Africa."

In extending the illegal economic sanctions regime on Zimbabwe, successive US administrations have accused the Government of posing an unusual and extraordinary threat to US foreign policy.

The First Lady said President Mugabe's influence transcends international boundaries because he represents "everything virtuous to the downtrodden people in the world."

The First Lady also urged the youth to strive to emulate President Mugabe as their tribute to him, which is the objective of the 21st February Movement.

During the course of her speech, the First Lady professed her affection for President Mugabe, describing him as a loving husband and exemplary father who is dear to her heart.

As she took her seat after the speech, President Mugabe showed his romantic side when he kissed the First Lady on the cheek.