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President Mugabe thanks Mr Clemence Maregedze (right) for the portrait of the First Family he made while Deputy Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Cde Joel Biggie Matiza (left) and Clemence’s father Mr Zvarevashe Maregedze look on in Harare yesterday

Tendai Rupapa and Farai Kuvirimirwa
President Mugabe yesterday received a 200 kilogramme granite portrait of the First Lady and himself from a 24-year-old sculptor who said he cherished his legacy and works conducted before and after the country’s independence.

Clemence Maregedze presented the portrait sculptured on a black granite rock which bears the images of the President and First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe at a luncheon held yesterday to mark the official opening of the Second Session of the Eighth Parliament of Zimbabwe.

President Mugabe hailed the sculptor saying it was a sign of inheriting unique skills from generation to generation which was important to preserve the local culture.

“Thanks a lot for the gesture,” he said. “Tinozvitenda zvinokudzwa zvaaita kudai. Ndizvo zvatinoda kuti apfurikidze zita neruzivo rwatanga tinarwo.

“Ndichavhairira amai naro ndichivati honai ndakanaka kukupfuurai,” the President said drawing laughter from the gathering.

President Mugabe was introduced to Clemence’s father whom he joked with and asked on how his son got into sculpturing.

“Aah Ahh, ndimi baba vemwana wangu uyu. Akazviwanepi izvi?” he asked.

In response, Mr Maregedze indicated to the President that he was also a sculptor based in Waterfalls.

In an interview, Clemence said he designed and sculptured the piece within a fortnight.

“I am trying to bring new art and it would not fade even if it is kept outside. The portrait will preserve history and will not be subjected to weathering,” he said.

“It would preserve President Mugabe’s legacy and history which future generations will see. It took me two weeks to complete it and I was aiming to present it on such a big day.”

Deputy Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Cde Joel Biggie Matiza said granite played a part in the country’s history.

“Granite is a stone that has always played a part in the history of Zimbabwe with many of our ancient cities constructed from this material,” he said.

Meanwhile, a Grade Six Hartley Primary School pupil Kundai Changadzi thrilled the guests at the luncheon with his poem which centred on Zim-Asset. He received US$1 000 from Gweru businesswoman Mrs Smelly Dube who said the money would be used to further his education while at First Lady Amai Mugabe’s school in Mazowe where he was offered a scholarship.