Students back Grace Mugabe

The Zimbabwe Council of Students Unions and the National Youth Service Graduates Association have rallied behind President Mugabe and the elevation of the First Lady Grace Mugabe to lead the Zanu-PF Women's League.

The bodies addressed a joint Press conference in Harare yesterday where they slammed infighting and factionalism in the party which has peaked in recent months.

Chairman of the Harare Province chapter of Zicosu, Mr Malvern Kwaramba, said as affiliates of Zanu-PF, the students' body supported people's choices for leadership.

"We came here to endorse President Mugabe and we are throwing our weight behind Grace Mugabe to lead the Women's League," he said.

"We support those elected according to the constitution and those asked to lead the party, that is why we support President Mugabe and wife as they were recently endorsed by the youth and women's leagues. As affiliates, we echo their sentiments."

Mr Kwaramba expressed support for provincial youth chairpersons, some of whom were facing reprisals for supporting the elevation of the First Lady.

He applauded President Mugabe for halting suspicious disciplinary proceedings that had begun to be instituted in Harare and Mashonaland West.

National Youth Service Graduates Association vice chairman for Harare province Mr Steven Katehwe said his organisation supported the rise of Mugabe on the basis of her nomination and endorsement by the women's and youth leagues.

He said: "As the vanguard of the party and its affiliates, we are fully behind the people. Zanu-PF is a people's party and their wishes must be respected. We are also saying no to factionalism."

Student leaders from Harare Polytechnic and the Harare Institute of Technology also made representations in support of the President and the First Lady.

This is the latest in a growing catalogue of endorsements for philanthropist and businesswoman Grace Mugabe's entry into the political arena.

Apart from the women and youth leagues, traditional leaders this week also blessed Mugabe's entry into politics.