Mugabe a rare gift from God, says Grace

FIRST Lady Dr Grace Mugabe has described her husband as a selfless, loving and intelligent leader who is a blessing to both her family and the nation.

Speaking during President Mugabe's 93rd birthday celebrations held at the renamed Matopos Junior School in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province, Dr Mugabe (pictured far right) likened the President to a moving encyclopaedia, saying his wisdom,  like wine was getting better with age.

"The President is a very intelligent person who has a very sharp memory, which like wine gets better with age. He is a rare gift from God and that is why I am not shy to say that as Zimbabweans, we are blessed phenomenally to have Comrade Mugabe as the leader of our country and our revolutionary party Zanu-PF," she said.

"The President is a moving encyclopedia, 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 matter he grasps issues, be they political, social, economic or cultural," said the First Lady.

Dr Mugabe described her husband as a great unifier with the people at heart.

"Mugabe has managed, enviably so, to keep Zimbabweans united as a people who are bound together by a common destiny and purpose in life. The simple principle and philosophy of life which he has bequeathed to us as Zimbabweans is that of love for our country," she said.

The First Lady condemned Britain and its allies in Europe and America for imposing sanctions of Zimbabwe over the Government's successful land reform and indigenisation programmes. The Land Reform Programme saw thousands of formerly marginalised blacks being resettled to productive areas formerly occupied by minority white commercial farmers.

Dr Mugabe also urged youths to follow in the footsteps of the iconic leader and thrive to emulate him.

"To the 'Twenty Firsters' and our youths in general, I say here is your President, our President, your hero, our hero, your iconic leader, our iconic leader whom you should thrive to emulate. It is therefore incumbent upon us all, and especially our youths, as the vanguard of our party, to foster unity and peace in all the organs of the party, as a befitting tribute to our revolutionary icon," she said.