Grace Mugabe eats cake, while families she evicted stare starvation

The MDC-T organising secretary Abednico Bhebhe has said Grace Mugabe  turns 50 on Thursday and Zanu PF is on a ‘massive' fundraising drive to hold a birthday bash for her where continental meals and giant cakes will be on the menu when millions face hunger.

"Zanu PF is soliciting for gifts and monies to fund the birthday bash, months after millions were blown in a grand obscene feast during Mugabe's birthday held in Vic Falls," he said.

"The Thursday birthday bash for Grace marks her anniversary into mainstream politics after she was parachuted to head the Women's League."

Bhebhe said towards the 2013 elections, ZUPCO buses were decorated with pictures of Grace and we sincerely hope state resources will not be abused all in the name of celebrating Grace's birthday.

"We pray state parastatals teetering on the brink of collapse and failing to pay salaries will not be bullied into spending scant resources sending congratulatory birthday messages to Grace," said Bhebhe.

"We hope state propaganda machine, Ztv; will also not be abused to provide live coverage of Grace's birthday, in much the same way it was abused during her nationwide rallies that exposed her to be a very angry person with her acerbic tongue."

He said under normal circumstances, and although it is a totally private event, people from all walks of life would show cause to celebrate the birthday of a First Lady, or mother of the nation and willingly send donations.

"However, it is not the case with Grace," he said.

"As Grace celebrates her birthday, Zimbabweans should be quickly reminded that the First Lady is equally to blame for the socio-economic crisis bedeviling the country."

He said Mugabe obviously and naturally listens to Grace, hence it is not surprising she boasted saying VP's Mnangagwa and Mphoko take notes from her unlike Mujuru.

"Grace led the downfall of Mujuru after accusing her of plotting to unseat the only President Zimbabweans have known for the past 35 years since independence," said Bhebhe.

"Just like her husband, Grace has left tears among ordinary and suffering villagers in Mazowe where she runs a dairy project, Gushungo Dairies, an orphanage and elite primary school."

He said a quick look at Grace's footprints is sad and disappointing. Besides her love for shopping, Grace has been embroiled in a succession of land grabs in Mazowe displacing hundreds of families.

"Over 300 families were evicted in Manzou Farm in Mazowe to pave way for Grace amid reports the First Lady wanted to turn the property into a wildlife sanctuary," said Bhebhe.

"A similar raid in 2013 saw police evicting a traditional healer, Mary Kazunga, believed to be a spirit medium of liberation war heroine Mbuya Nehanda, and close to 300 other families in Mazowe."

He said the First Lady has also grabbed Mazowe Citrus Estate, taking over 800 hectares of land belonging to Interfresh.

"The land grabs left Interfresh tottering on the brink of collapse, while investors were scurrying for cover fearing their money would sink in an increasingly unviable enterprise being destroyed by the unceasing land confiscations," he said.

"This is her legacy competing to outshine Mugabe's 35year old misrule.

"Other dictators have tried and failed to create dynasties in their countries."

Bhebhe said as Zimbabweans we should be wary of the Mugabe's and not tolerate attempts by Grace and husband to create a silent dynasty in this country.

"All that was a jewel has been destroyed by Mugabe and now Grace who on Thursday will be eating giant cakes and other sumptuous meals when millions are hungry," said Bhebhe.

"Tanzanian president, Jakaya Kikwete at 55 after serving two terms says he can't wait to step down in October, 2015.

"Kikwete says the job is stressful and thankless yet Mugabe at 91 urged and pushed by wife Grace hangs on with a view of creating a dynasty before he dies, something we should all unite and fight to save what is left of Zimbabwe."