Mphoko takes 29 to Dubai

Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko took with him an entourage of 29 people - including relatives, on taxpayers' funds - on a two week visit to the Far East to meet with President Robert Mugabe, who is expected back from his annual vacation today.

This comes at a time when government is struggling to pay a 500,000 strong workforce while more than 105 of the country's population faces hunger.

Sources said that Mphoko together with his 29 member entourage traveled via South Africa aboard an Air Zimbabwe plane, which includes stop overs in Dubai and Austria before he returns next week on Monday.

Sources also revealed that Mphoko was accompanied by his wife, Laurinda, his children, their spouses and grandchildren, one of whom he stays with at Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare.

However, other sources close to the Vice President insisted that he had a 10-member delegation which included his security aides, permanent secretary, personal assistant and daughter.