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Mugabe promises chiefs new cars
14 Sep 2014 at 10:29hrs | Views
President Robert Mugabe has given in to traditional chiefs' demands, promising them an increase in allowances at the annual chief's conference in Gweru.
The chiefs had since Monday demanded an increase in monthly allowances, new cars, medical aid schemes and funeral policies.
Mugabe has over his 34-year rule received enormous support from the chiefs who recently endorsed his wife, Grace to lead the Zanu-PF Women's League.
On Thursday, the 90-year-old leader said he would hastily provide the cars and allowances demanded by the chiefs. "You presented your grievances, but today you have given us more," Mugabe said.
"I promise to resolve this issue, so you will get your cars. We cannot have chiefs boarding commuter omnibuses," he said to wild cheers at the conference held at Zanu-PF conference centre.
Mugabe, however, said that Treasury had not resolved the amount for chief's perks. "You asked for an increase in your allowances, but we have not yet agreed on the figure."
Mugabe's promises can be likened to those he made to the liberation fighters in late 90s where they were given Z$50 000, a move believed to have triggered the country's economic problems. President of the Chiefs' council, Fortune Charumbira said chiefs were living like mere paupers. "Our allowances are lower than mere messengers when we should command respect," Charumbira said.
He said chiefs government had failed to deliver during the inclusive government era, blaming former Finance minister Tendai Biti for not awarding the cars.
"We got cars in 2004, but we did not get them in 2008 when Biti was Finance minister. So Chinamasa should not behave like Biti," Charumbira said. After presenting the chief's demands, he joined the bootlicking charade. He congratulated Mugabe for sourcing funds from his allies in China, during a trip which was condemned by analysts as a waste of time.
"Those who are saying the president did not bring us anything are being used by the devil," Charumbira said.
He distanced the chiefs from the succession race and factionalism. "Chiefs are not into this succession run, so you can work with us president," he said.
Charumbira said the chiefs feared for their future once Mugabe retires.
"We fear for the future when you retire because Zanu-PF hates us. Even others in the politburo hate us," he said.
The chiefs are believed to be championing the cause of the first family.
Source - dailynews