Mugabe eyesight problems worsen

PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe's eyesight problems seem to be increasing with each passing day after he failed to read his prepared speech and resorted to rumbling off the cuff. Mugabe was celebrating his 91st birthday with a lavish million-dollar bash.

Mugabe made another embarrassing gaffe at the weekend after failing to read his prepared speech when he claimed that this year's edition of the 21st February movement held in Victoria Falls on Saturday had somehow coincided with his 21st birthday.

Mugabe was reading a portion of his prepared speech but could not see the words. The portion which the which the nonagenarian failed to read, read "Once again I thank you for the support, blessings and gifts that you all bring as we come together to celebrate the 21st February Movement which this year coincides with my 91st birthday."

After being corrected, Mugabe closed the speech and spoke off the cuff, but seemed to suffer further memory lapses and constantly shook.

Mugabe's eyesight was also tested when he almost fell after missing a step on his way down the staircase from the podium on his way to his waiting limousine. First Lady Grace came to the rescue after she firmed her grip on his left hand preventing the nonagenarian from tumbling.

An insider said Mugabe was facing eyesight problems due to old age.