Dr Mugabe's gracious secret

Lead by example is one of the oldest phenomenon and adage often said than practised, owing to traditional tendencies of prioritizing benefits ahead of responsibilities when one assumes duty in an influential office.

The subject of balancing benefits and responsibilities exposes the emerging genre of reportages and politics of the stomach. "As a man thinketh, so shall he be." The insinuations that First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe is eying the Presidency depict reasoning behind the soloists of such mantra as obviously benefits driven.  

Those who have been there know better what it means and, at least, have firsthand experience of the tangibles that follow responsibility like the First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe is doing or has done.

Dr Mugabe's revelations that she does not harbour Presidential ambitions go an extra mile elaborating the view point that there is more to being a leader than just benefits. Apparently this is a lesson that ought to be learnt by those individuals in the political circles and their peers heading various key entities that define the economy and a nation importantly.

It is noble to note that, with great power certainly comes greater responsibility, which l am sure moved the notion of hosting a bash to celebrate the First Lady's 50th birthday. However, like I alluded to earlier "as a man thinketh so shall he be," the bash was interpreted out of context with some qualifying it as lavish and extravagant.

Nevertheless, a pedestrian approach to the basic mathematics of the event tells a different story altogether. The bash raised funds amounting to US$3 million. Well could the preparation of the event cost such amount of money? Certainly no, thus the idea was noble yielding tangible results and working responsibility.
Amazingly, of those blasting the event and everything that comes and goes with it have no track record of ever extending their arms as far as charity is concerned. They get "shots in the arm" from the West as the media would report but none ever spared a thought for the less privileged. Instead, because of politics of the stomach they mastered, lavish lifestyles and power struggles became the order of the day in their camps.

Some individuals who have made a fortune out of life boast of their wealth on the social media displaying all sorts of obscene arrogance that come with riches. They did not register their responsibility anyhow in life.

Sadly, even men of the cloth, who should know better the reasons behind Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on the back of donkey instead of a chariot with all the trappings of opulence, have not been spared the demeaning rot of power struggles, neglecting developmental issues and general welfare of the people.

Before I appear ungrateful to those who have dolled food stuffs and other basic commodities, thanks for the effort but we are talking sustainable efforts, like the Mazoe orphanage. Many do not want such a permanent commitment in life.

This is the reason some can never be leaders at the end of the day. Standing up to be counted, especially in times of need by assuming responsibility, I am sure is reason to celebrate Amai Mugabe's life and efforts towards charitable work. Whereas a friend in need may be a friend in deed, Amai has been a mother to us all, irrespective of ethnic background.

Having chosen responsibilities over benefits, indeed Dr Grace Mugabe is amazing and may God guide her paces and award her many more years because it has been proven beyond any reasonable doubt that the principle "to whom much is given much is expected" will work for the benefit of many once you are involved.

To those entrusted with leading any establishments, be they private or Government enterprises, "When God blesses you, don't raise your standard of living. Raise your standard of responsibility." The First Lady has been exemplary in setting the ball rolling, and it is up to the nation to compliment her efforts by embracing her charity work.