FOR someone widely viewed and described as a ‘novice’ in ZANU PF politics, the First Lady, Amai Grace Mugabe first ever meeting with traditional chiefs drawn from across the country was never going to be easy.
However, by the time she finished her presentation, she had acquitted herself in spectacular fashion.
This was supposed to be a meeting where politics would take centre stage, but Amai Mugabe dwelt into an array of issues that centred mainly on her charity work, business and social values.
There were Biblical teachings too in her speech.
It has been somewhat a new period in her life, a period of the rebirth of a woman who has seen it all albeit behind the scenes and a life of emerging from the shadows of a towering political figure.
Her transformation into a politician has been dramatic.
It has not only taken the nation by surprise, but her too.
Her entry into politics has not been deliberate or planned, but her works have vaulted her into the political arena.
Since the ZANU Youth League endorsed her nomination by the Women’s League in what is now referred to as ‘Mazowe Crush’, the spotlight has been on Amai Mugabe.
At Amai Mugabe Children’s Home in Mazowe, an orphanage she runs, her moment of truth and reckoning came when she came face-to-face with one of the vital cogs of the country’s history.
The knowledge that Mbuya Nehanda was from the historic Mazowe district was not lost on many as Amai Mugabe delivered her speech.
Mbuya Nehanda rose to become a globally renowned icon of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
Amai Mugabe said the Mbuya Nehanda shrine would soon be revamped in honour of the country’s legendary heroine.
The sprightly day started with grand arrival of the First Lady just after 9am.
Minutes later convoys of busloads and cars snaked along the Mazowe Highway heading towards the orphanage where disadvantaged children have received a new lease of life.
A few metres outside the tent, the police band belted tune after tune.
The programme started with the chiefs who were accompanied by their spouses and aides touring the Amai Mugabe’s Children’s Home, her school and Gushungo Dairy.
Flanked by Cde Oppah Muchinguri who willingly relinquished her post of the ZANU PF Secretary for Women’s Affairs and President of the Senate Edna Madzongwe, Amai Mugabe gave a warm speech that defied her alleged ‘inexperience’ in politics.
It was laden with courage, hard work, dedication and love for the masses.
The message was of hope.
It was of care.
It was of values.
It was of ideas and ideals.
It was about receiving and giving.
Hers is a story of a typical African woman.
Born in the rural areas, aspiring to make it in life, Amai Mugabe told the chiefs that it is hard work that has led her to where she is today.
Being a village girl, she said, she has not been fascinated by trendy shoes and clothes.
Her modesty and humility was best exhibited by staff at her orphanage that would not stop nodding as she spoke.
Chronicling how she started the orphanage and how she built a school at the Children’s Home, Amai Mugabe revealed that she is not satisfied with her achievements but wants to do more for the disadvantaged.
There have been mischievous reports and suggestions that Amai Mugabe ‘imposed’ herself.
But even as the endorsements have been made, she said, the decision to accept or turn down the offer is not hers.
Instead, she said, it is up to President Robert Mugabe as the appointing authority to make the decision.
She gave a little insight into President Mugabe outside office.
The night before Wednesday’s historic gathering, President Mugabe had expressed concern over the allowances and benefits accorded to chiefs.
On Cde Muchinguri, Amai Mugabe said her gesture of relinquishing her post was akin to a person donating their kidney.
“I want to thank you for your support but I also want to thank Cde Muchinguri because what she did is rare in life, it’s like donating your kidney to someone,” said Amai Mugabe.