Mugabe, Mandela shared warm relationship - report

President Mugabe's solid and cordial relationship with former South African leader Nelson Mandela was premised on a common understanding and revolutionary camaraderie, Kweku Mandela, grandson to the late nationalist,  has said.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail during his visit to Zimbabwe on Friday, Kweku Mandela said his late grandfather was passionate about Zimbabwe and its people. Kweku is the son of Makaziwe, Nelson Mandela's daughter, and has interests in the film industry.

President Mugabe has himself described Nelson Mandela as a "great friend", contrary to media attempts to propagate a rift between the two African liberation icons.

"My grandfather shared a warm relationship with President Mugabe dating back to their days in the liberation struggle. The two shared a common background which was to see their respective countries free from colonial domination," said Kweku Mandela.

He added: "I have learnt a lot about Zimbabwe and its history during interactions I had with the young people of this country. I have seen that the people of Zimbabwe are very passionate about their country and are working hard to see their country grow and develop.

"I had discussions with different people here and I am very impressed by the level of passion for development they have. Zimbabwe will obviously overcome the challenges it is facing and grow to be a massive player in the overall development of the continent."

Kweku Mandela said South Africa and Zimbabwe were bound by a common history and heritage.

Following Nelson Mandela's death in December 2013, some sections of the media insinuated that President Mugabe had a strained relationship with the former South African leader.

This week, some publications have attempted to once again claim a rift between the two by citing excerpts of Zelda la Grange's book, "Good Morning Mr Mandela".

The excerpts in question claim the two fell out at a 1998 SADC Summit in Mauritius even though there is no direct mention of the leaders exchanging words, relying instead on la Grange's interpretation of the meeting.

In his condolence message following the death of South Africa's first black leader, President Mugabe described Nelson Mandela as "a champion of the oppressed" and "a committed revolutionary".

Responding to claims of friction, President Mugabe, on returning from the body-viewing ceremony in South Africa, said: "I don't know about any feud. If anything, there was an alliance. We worked very well with him when he came out of prison. We gave him support."

On Friday, Kweku Mandela toured the National Heroes Acre in Harare to pay his respects to Zimbabwe's liberation war heroes.

He was in the country at the invitation of the Youth Development Initiative (YDI). YDI official Belinda Cele said: "Initially Mr Mandela's trip was supposed to be a business initiative, but he insisted on getting an understanding of the country's revolutionary history. He wanted to go back into the footsteps of our founding fathers."

Another of Nelson Mandela's grandsons, Chief Zwelivelile Mandlesizwe Dalibhunga Mandela, is expected in Zimbabwe early next month for the launch of a restaurant, where he will be a guest of honour.

Chief Mandela is the son of Makgatho Lewanika, son of Nelson Mandela and his first wife, Evelyn Mase.