Vintage birthday present for Mugabe

FOR many, the best birthday present is mostly something new with high monetary value, but for President Mugabe this was not to be.

His was one item he once owned probably bought from his meagre salary as a schoolteacher Which like any young adult would immediately dispose of and never wish to see the moment he gets some extra money to upgrade.

Having personalised number plates - RGM 1963 - this was a black Ford Montero 1955 version, which the President bought as far back as 1963.

Not only is this car unique in terms of it being a vintage but it was also President Mugabe's first ever car.

As the car was driven slowly into the stadium accompanied by the melodious harmonies provided by an acapella group, Family Voices, both local and foreign journalists could be seen clamouring to get the best picture while the packed crowd at Elephant Hills Hotel golf course ululated and whistled in glee as they saw what the President once viewed as his prized possession.

Sought out by the Friends of Joshua Trust working together with the Zanu-PF Youth League, this was one birthday present which will surety get people talking for years to come.

To many it was quite shocking that a car this old could still be this strong but this was to be more of a symbolic present to the President who, at 91, still remains a strong and legendary leader.

In an interview with Sunday News after presenting the President with the car keys and registration book already sorted out in his name, chief executive officer of the Friends of Joshua Trust Ms Beverly Pullen said this was one present which they had put much thought in after years of researching on the President's history.

She said they had purchased the car from a white man who had purchased it during the colonial era and was storing it as part of his vintage collection in South Africa.

"Through our research we got to find out that the President's first car was still existing, we managed to trace it to South Africa being owned by a Zimbabwean white man who had bought it as way back as the 1970s.

"The initial cost of the car was $34 000 but when we explained the reason we wanted to purchase it he finally brought the price down to $12 000, which was wholly paid by a local businessman, Mr Kumbirai Mangwanda," said Ms Pullen.

She said the car itself was very symbolic to the Presidents life and further revealed that in a brief conversation with the First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe revealed that this was going to form part of a museum that she was planning in honour of the President

Dr Mugabe actually said she has another one of the Presidents first cars and us giving him this Ford Montero means she can now fulfil her dream to construct a museum especially dedicated to the life of the President

"With the presentation we also carved a small piece of history as we not only personalised the number plates to RGM 1963 - which are the President's initials and the year he bought the car - but we also gave them the registration book of the car, which will be a first in the registry offices to have a car actually reflecting in the name Robert Mugabe," she said.

Ms Pullen also noted that they had customised the colours of the car to have a special meaning.

"We are saying the mere fact that this car is still in good shape is symbolic to our President who remains an astute and jerked up leader at the age of 91, this is a message to the youth out there to consider his exemplary life and also aim to emulate him.

"The car is also black in colour, this reflecting on the Presidents fight for majority rule, the red seats represent the blood shed to attain our freedom, the silver linings represent the strength and durability of the President while the white wheel covers represent the peace being experienced in the country, the 92 000 miles mileage is a reflection of the long journey the President has travelled to date in leading the country? said Ms Pullen.

Meanwhile, youth league structures from all die 10 provinces gave the President livestock ranging from bulls, heifers to sheep.

President Mugabe celebrated his 91st birthday yesterday at the resort town of Victoria Falls, an event that was attended by Zimbabweans from all walks of life including ministers, diplomats, senior Zanu-PF officials and children who share the same birthday with the President.