Love in the air for Minister Chimene

LOVE is definitely in the air for Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Mandi Chimene who took last Friday's surprise party organised for her by the Manicaland business community to parade the apple of her eye.

Although Chimene has been travelling the length and breadth of the province with her newly found husband, Mr Claudius Mukandiwa, popularly known by his totem Madyira, many guests could be heard whispering during last Friday's party at a local hotel who this man was.

Mr Mukandiwa has managed to dodge the long paparazzi camera lenses for some time, but not last Friday as he was caught in action, cuddling and pampering his sweetheart.

Those who have had a chance to meet the couple before took time to answer the Doubting Thomases, while some as the Manyikas are well known for keeping their fingers crossed for an announcement to be made first (kusumwa) could be seen nodding their heads in agreement when the opportunity did come.

Finally, the cat was let out of the bag. This was done in grand style and the occasion was greeted with ululation and whistling from the guests.

To put the speculation to rest, the province's first couple took time to show the world that indeed they were an item when Mr Mukandiwa took it upon himself to toast with dessert during the over-subscribed function which drew the who is who of Manicaland businesspeople.

A beaming smile from the guest of honour as well as Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, proved to be the seal of the couple's approval.

Chimene's daughter, Lisa also joined the couple for a toast to add icing to the cake during the glitz event.

While many people were caught by surprise, Chimene, said the whole event was a surprise to her.

"This is the second time I have been caught by surprise in recent months. The first time was my appointment as the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs by His Excellency President Mugabe in December. I least expected it and I cried.

"Today is my second surprise. I am at a loss of words. Thank you very much the people of Manicaland for honouring me. We will walk together in this journey to develop Mutare and Manicaland at large. Everyone should brace themselves for very tough times to come because we all have a role to play in developing Manicaland. We should have a paradigm shift in doing things," she said.