Media "belittled my stature" says Mujuru

Vice-President Mujuru has said some sections of the media owe her an apology for abusing her and her family by publishing "belittling" reports around the death of her husband, Retired General Solomon Mujuru.
Speaking at a memorial service for the former army chief at Ruzambu Farm in Beatrice yesterday, she said the reports were largely influenced by envious individuals who wished to be part of the Mujuru family.
The commemorative occasion also saw President Mugabe launch the Solomon Tapfumaneyi Ruzambu Mujuru Foundation, which, among other key objectives, seeks to further the aspirations of Rtd Gen Mujuru countrywide.
He also toured the farmhouse in which the former general died.
Vice-President Mujuru said she remains the wife of the national hero in spite of the sinister media coverage.
She thanked President Mugabe for fathering her and Zimbabweans from different political persuasions for standing by her during her moment of grief.
"If there is anyone who abused me (during my time of bereavement), it is the Press. The Press abused me; I think I deserve an apology," she said.
"They abused me, my husband and my family. They belittled me; they belittled my stature. It is those who were envious and wished to be in the Mujuru family who fed you with the wrong information. I will never be anything besides being Joice Teurai Ropa Mujuru, the wife of Solomon.
"I want to thank you, President, because you became my last father after the death of my father, VaJames. "I want to thank everyone, including the President, from the day you heard of the death up to this day. I cannot thank all Zimbabweans enough. They mournedJ him."
Mujuru said she would not remarry but continue to be part of the Mujurus. 
She urged married women to be agents of unity, adding that she managed to make Rtd Gen Mujuru alias Rex Nhongo happy for 32 years through commitment and submission.
"Prior to our marriage, Rex and I went to present ourselves to President Mugabe, who said, 'Rex, Teurai is my daughter. I know you have two children already. Will you not abandon her also?' Rex told the President that I was the one he wanted to marry, and so we got married. I married him fully aware that he was a more experienced soldier than I was. I wanted to be a soldier in our home, and this sparked war! I then realised that it would not be good if the President heard about this.
"I want to tell other daughters-in-law how I managed to stay with my husband. Most of us fail because we want to fight with other women who are reportedly seeing our husbands.
"My husband imbibed alcohol; I do not. I carefully thought about it, not that I do not want to take alcohol. But imagine: two soldiers who drink . . . pfuti dzacho dzaizogara dzichirira! (There would always be gunfire!)"
The Vice-President said trust and understanding how to manoeuvre in different roles were major ingredients to enduring marriages.
She said unions were compromised in certain instances owing to negative influences from relatives and friends.
"As married women, we at times fail to balance our different roles. Mabvi haaperi (Your knees will not wear out from kneeling while performing traditional duties). 
"I did not stop washing my husband's feet in winter (even when he had done something wrong). People exaggerate . . . There was trust between Rex and I.
The truth is my husband assigned intelligence operatives to monitor my movements for 10 years. However, they never caught me with another man; I was at school or church . . . I made Rex happy for 32 years.
"Kunemi varoora (to daughters-in-law), let us be faithful and trustworthy. Try to build the family where you see strife."  
President Mugabe later launched the foundation on a day that predominately celebrated Rtd Gen Mujuru's military prowess, benevolence and charismatic personality.
The foundation seeks to establish or assist in the establishment of projects and enterprises that benefit the country and its citizens.
Health, education, agriculture, commerce, industry and mining are among the targeted sectors.
It also aims to promote economic growth, social work, family planning, environmental and ecological conservation as well as communication.
It will also make available loans, grants, bursaries, donations and prizes, all efforts that capture Rtd Gen Mujuru's vision to contribute in the making of a just society.
The board of trustees comprises Vice-President Mujuru, Mr Peter Lobel, Fr Fidelis Mukonori, Mr Joel Mujuru, Arun Mooljee, Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube, Mrs Busi Chindove, Ambassador Margaret Muchada and the national hero's daughter, Kumbirai Rungano Mujuru.
Speaking at the occasion, President Mugabe said he was touched by the objectives of the foundation.
He encouraged the board to ensure benefits also accrue to Mujuru descendants."The objectives of the trust touch on every aspect of the country. I am touched. I would like to say to all of us in the parties that those who are interested in the life of Solomon Mujuru; those who are friends of the family and you want to know what is being done, get this document (the trust deed)," he said.
"It is not the foundation alone that should commemorate the life of Mujuru. Organisations or schools can do it."
Mugabe described Rtd Gen Mujuru as a courageous cadre who contributed greatly to Zimbabwe's independence from British colonial rule.
"What happened here (the death of Cde Mujuru in an inferno) . . . I do not know whether, as a drinker, he was drunk or it was deep slumber (that saw him losing his life in the inferno).
"He was a very alert, sharp mind. He was a very courageous man who went on dangerous assignments."
The President urged Zimbabweans to emulate Rtd Gen Mujuru's good deeds, adding that the Mujurus should now be comforted after their great loss.He said the former general loved his wife dearly despite him being a "tough husband".
"We ask all of us to emulate the life of Mujuru. People must have the kind of heart he had; a heart that always wanted to help others.
"I am not saying one does not do wrong. In most cases, people want to remember the wrongs, but culturally, we say, 'wafa wanaka'. I know his life. He was a tough husband, I can tell you.
"Amai Mujuru deserves the medal of the most patient woman in marriage. Mai Mujuru, Mai Mujuru, you are a tough woman. They (Rtd Gen Mujuru and Vice-President Mujuru) were both soldiers. So, it was gun to gun! 
"However, she said she would obey and submit. The Bible says obey your husband, but women today say we are equal. There are different roles for men and women.
"No . . . he loved and respected his wife. He told me quite a number of things about you, Amai Mujuru, things I never told you. They were all praises, of course. He loved you and I know you loved your husband.
"But God had other plans. I am glad you have accepted it and pledged a life of remembrance to him."
President Mugabe also pledged support to the Mujuru family.
"We will give you as much support as we can. Do not fail to come to us with any problems you may encounter. When you talk over any difficulty with your friend, it lightens the burden on your heart."
Representing Rtd Gen Mujuru's liberation war colleagues, Minister of State Security Sydney Sekeramayi said the general was selfless and dedicated.
Speaking on behalf of Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Constantine Chiwenga, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Perence Shiri said Rtd Gen Mujuru was always determined to overcome any difficult situation.
Mr Joel Mujuru, the general's brother, said the family had accepted that "people have different ways of dying".
Rtd Gen Mujuru died after a fire broke out at his farm last year. The death was followed by speculation in the local and international media with reports insinuating foul play.
However, a subsequent inquest in which 39 witnesses testified concluded that he died after inhaling smoke.
Other media reports suggested he had separated from Vice-President Mujuru.
Vice-President Nkomo, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, his deputy Thokozani Khupe, Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, Zanu-PF national chairman Ambassador Simon Khaya-Moyo, service chiefs and foreign diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe were among those who attended yesterday's event which saw Mujuru remove her mourning badge.