Sculptor sell belongings to finance Mugabe statue

A  metal sculptor Joshua Mboya has revealed that he  sold most of his belongings and lived a near destitute life staying at his workshop to finance a statue for President Robert Mugabe.

The recently completed piece is made from recycled metal sheets, body filler, primer, paint and metal rods.

It took three years for him to complete the eight metres tall statue.

"I sold most of my belongings and resorted to staying at the workshop just to make this dream come to pass and finally I am a happy man as I wait for this piece of art to be placed at its rightful place by relevant authorities" he is quoted saying.

He said it is his "gesture to show that we love our President Comrade Robert Mugabe and will continue to show our appreciation for the various roles he has played for our country".

The statue is at his warehouse in Kuwadzana.

Last year, renowned sculptor Dominic Benhura came under sharp criticism on social media when he unveiled another Mugabe stature that was seen as a caricature after it was unveiled at State House.

Tweeters questioned his motives, with some suggesting it was a reaction to being forced to make the statue.

However, Benhura, who has exhibited his work across the world, denied he was making fun of the president and said that people don't understand his art.

"That sculpture was never meant to look exactly as the president's image. I do not do exact figures.

"This is the style I have mastered. My collectors can identify my pieces when they see them anywhere in the world because I chose to be different and that is my signature."