Grace Mugabe speaks on Presidency

THE First Lady Grace Mugabe says she does not have the right to influence President Mugabe to leave or stay in office since it is the inherent right of Zimbabweans to select a leader of their choice when the time comes.

Speaking during a tour of Grace Mugabe Children's Home, her school and Gushungo Dairy Estate in Mazowe by members of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Collaborators' Association, the First Lady said President Mugabe was what he was because of the support he gets from Zimbabweans.

"President Mugabe was chosen by the people, he would not be President if the people did not choose him," she said.

"I do not have the mandate to tell the President to stay put. God gave people eyes to see and they will decide whom they want to lead them."

Mugabe said she hoped that when the time comes for a new leader to be elected, the chosen candidate would take the country forward and would have the people at heart like President Mugabe who humbled himself and worked with former Prime Minister Mr Morgan Tsvangirai despite their differences.

"We have a principled leader with a good vision," she said.

"He is also straightforward and he has the nation in mind in everything he does."

Ziliwaco national chairman Cde Pupurai Togarepi had asked the First Lady to convey a message to President Mugabe encouraging him to stay in office.

"The President may decide to leave office, but please tell him that we will be orphans without him as President," said Cde Togarepi.

"The freedom we are enjoying today is as a result of his wise leadership and other countries pray to have a leader like him.
"We are told South Africa is rich, but the indigenous people have nothing, but President Mugabe changed the lives of ordinary people.

"We thought it would be wise for us to brief you first on our decision before we tell the nation.

"To those who want to lead, we say be patient your time will come as long as we remain united."

Mugabe said she would convey the message to the President.

Ziliwaco, which was represented by its leadership from across the country was also joined by Trauma Centre owner Dr Vivek Solanki in touring the First Lady's projects.

Ziliwaco took the opportunity to donate food stuffs worth thousands of dollars to Mugabe Children's Home.

Speaking on her children's home which has 76 children, Mugabe said she wanted the best for the children and contrary to reports she does not have any plans to sell the institution.