Mnangagwa loses his voice

As the highly demanding election campaign takes its toll, President Emmerson Mnangagwa is literally losing his voice. At 80 and turning 81 next month, he is the oldest candidate in Zimbabwe's 23 August general elections.

Addressing congregants at the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) annual pilgrimage at Defe Dopota shrine in Gokwe, Mnangagwa is speaking in a hoarse and raspy voice and has attributed it to a busy schedule on the campaign trail. He has criss-crossed the country, drumming up support.

Zanu PF chairperson and Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, in her vote of thanks, tells the ZCC pilgrims: "Havarari President. Nezwi ratopera. [The President doesn't sleep. Even his voice is gone]."