Zimbabwe: First Lady says President Mugabe will lead from the grave

Supporters carry placards showing Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe (R) and the First Lady Grace (L) Photo: ANP/EPA/Aaron Ufumeli

Zimbabwe First Lady, Grace Mugabe, yesterday stunned many with her remarks that President Robert Mugabe (92) is irreplaceable and will continue to rule the country from his grave.

Addressing thousands of Zanu-PF supporters who attended the million man march in Harare, the First Lady reportedly noted, “President Mugabe is an unparalleled leader and because you have stuck to principle even in the face of sanctions, your people now believe you. We want you to remain our leader,”

“We want you to lead this country from your grave, while you lie at the National Heroes’ Acre”. Grace, who is also the Zanu-PF women’s league secretary said the party will support President Mugabe’s 2018 candidature and the league would choose him as their preferred leader even in his grave at the heroes acre.

The First Lady is no stranger to making controversial statements. At a rally last year, Grace  said Mugabe is still the best person to lead the country and the party would carrying him in a wheelbarrow to address people.

Read: Grace Mugabe says God wants president to stay on

The First Lady, has also previously called for the castration of perpetrators of child sexual abuse to curb the crime, remarks which were also supported by her husband, but raised eyebrows.

Read: Grace Mugabe says mini-skirts cause rape

Unsurprisingly, Zanu-PF member and cabinet minister, Professor Jonathan Moyo defended the First Lady’s remarks on Twitter saying, “You think it’s funny but yes, she’s right. It’s a legacy issue!”

However, social media has been rather critical of Grace’s comments, with posts reprimanding the First Lady for her remarks.