Mugabe mansion undergoes renovations

President Robert Mugabe's Borrowdale Brooke mansion is undergoing renovations and construction work amid reports that goods worth millions of dollars have been ordered to embellish the 25 roomed mansion.

Though it could not be immediately established why the mansion was undergoing refurbishment it is understood the mansion will host the much published wedding of the first couple's daughter Bona in March.

Sources close to the Mugabe residence said more than 10 trucks were hired from South Africa with equipment meant for the refurbishment of the mansion in the leafy suburb.

Yesterday, construction workers were busy making designs at the main gate and on the walls with some of the designs similar to those at the Chinese mall in Belvedere, Harare.

Building equipment had been offloaded outside the President's house while containers loaded with more material were outside the house believed to be the venue of the wedding.

Bona is set to tie the knot with pilot, Simba Chikore on March 1 at the first family's posh home in Borrowdale Brooke at an event expected to be graced by several African leaders.

Sources say the logistics have been put in place, with a massive tent already pitched at Mugabe's home.

Mugabe family spokesperson, Kaitano Mugabe confirmed the developments, but was quick to say the wedding date was subject to change depending on the logistics.

No less than 5 000 guests have been invited, among them, "most African  heads of state and government" although no names were available at the time of going to press last night.

"The bridal shower is on this Saturday at Iron Mask in Mazowe. They have also decided on ivory, pink and cream as the theme colours. The wedding will be held at the family home in Borrowdale Brooke," an insider said yesterday.

Iron Mask Farm is owned by Grace and home to the up-market Amai Mugabe Christian High School, which is nestled in the rolling mountains of Mazowe, as well as an orphanage funded by the First Lady.