Grace Mugabe vows to promote unity

FIRST Lady Grace Mugabe has vowed to promote unity in Zanu-PF, saying the Women's League should be at the forefront of fighting divisions.

Mugabe, who was endorsed to take over as Women's League Secretary at the party's Congress in December, also pledged to learn the principles of leadership from her predecessors.

Speaking at the just-ended Zanu-PF Women's League Conference in Harare on Friday night, Mugabe said factionalism should be dealt decisively.

"I don't want to see a repetition of what happened during the Youth Conference. I hope that this so-called factionalism will come to an end. And hopefully one day, this word called faction or factionalism is not something that we will talk about," she said.

Mugabe said although she has no much experience in politics, she will learn from those who have been in the trenches.

"And I want to assure you that when the time comes when I am confirmed, my duty is not to obliterate what my predecessors have achieved but I am just going to continue from where they left. I am not well versed in the field of politics, I am here to learn.

"Thank you very much for having given me the opportunity to work with you and in the process to learn what it means to be the leader. But I know that you will be there for me, you will teach me as we go, I know if I make mistakes you will correct me . . ."

Mugabe said she acknowledges the difficult task that awaits her once she assumes the powerful post.

"I have been watching with keen interest all the proceedings from yesterday, even before the conference started. I realise that it's a lot of work that has been done. In fact, I was remarking to Mama Muchinguri that I don't envy the position because I know it's not an easy task.

"There are a lot of expectations out there and more so if you are the First Lady, people expect wonders and things that are unheard of to be done. But I know that the women in Zimbabwe are very capable and have worked very hard against all odds and I know it has been very difficult for you to organise this conference, but all the same as the President said you came, you saw and you conquered."

The outgoing Zanu-PF Secretary for Women's Affairs, Oppah Muchinguri, chipped in and urged the First Lady to remain resolute in the face of a negative onslaught in some sections of the media, saying she can count on the support of the women's league.

She said the elevation of Mugabe to the position of Zanu-PF Secretary for Women's Affairs will strengthen the party.

Muchinguri said having Mugabe at the helm of the Women's League would pave way for direct communication between the wing and President Mugabe.

"Ndinoda kuti kuna Mugabe, tichikutambirai ku women's league . . . mazviona mose madzimai pane here nhengo ingakwikwidzane naAmai? Ne speech yacho — the richness. Unotowona kuti she is tried and tested.

"Ndirikutaura nyaya yekuti, zvatinoda, hatichatsvage vamwe vanhu tavane direct line kuna President.

"Let me also thank for taking time off her busy schedule to attend this historic event. Amai, you remain our inspiration and we will always invite you to provide motherly support and guidance.

"Kana zvaoma tichadaidza Amai, kuti vatidzidzise, vatibatsire muzvichemo zvedu.

"You should always take comfort in the fact that your women's league loves you so much, Amai.

"When you are harassed in the press, kana muchitukwa, you should always reflect on the support that was demonstrated nemadzimai. Know that you are not alone.

"Let me thank the Vice-President and second secretary, Mujuru, for her unwavering support to our programmes. It is indeed an honour to have our party's top leadership supporting us in this way," said Muchinguri.

She said in the next five years, the Women's League will be seized with mobilising female youths to join them.

"Let me take the liberty to inform His Excellency, the President and First Secretary that women are still encountering some social, political and economic challenges, chief among these is the realisation of our full quota into leadership positions at all levels.

"This time, more than before, we will be regularly knocking on your door as we seek support for programmes that will enable us to exercise our full potential in the party.

"The new national executive will be going out in full force to mobilise young women, especially those graduating from youth league and tertiary institutions to join the women's league.

"This means that youth-related programmes will have to be introduced. President, I would like to assure you of the fact that we are going away from the conference as a rejuvenated Women's League which represents Zanu-PF with dignity."

The conference also witnessed the election of a new executive that will lead the wing for the next five years. The selection was done by consensus.

Eunice Sandi-Moyo (Bulawayo) was re-elected Deputy Secretary while Esphenah Nhari (Midlands) scooped the Secretary for Administration position.