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First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe

The First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe is set to Meet the People of Mashonaland Central at Chipadze Stadium in Bindura and also thank them for endorsing her nomination to the post of Secretary for Women’s League.

Amai Mugabe has addressed rallies in eight provinces so far. Yesterday she addressed a multitude of Zanu PF supporters in Bulawayo. In her address, she slammed inept ministers, saying time has come for only those meriting their ministerial posts to stay in Government. Our reporter Felex Share will be giving us the updates of the events as it unfolds.

10:20 Thousands of Zanu PF supporters have gathered at Chipadze Stadium in Bindura for the First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe Meet the People Tour and thousands more  are still patiently queuing outside as they wait to enter the venue.

10:33 The first Lady is yet to arrive but meanwhile people are being entertained by Sulumani Chimbetu.

Part of the crowd at Chipadze Stadium

10:43 Senior Zanu PF officials and Government Ministers, Prof Jonathan Moyo, Cde Saviour Kasukuwere and Cde Josiah Hungwe are already in the stadium waiting for the First Lady. Cde Phillip Chiyangwa, Cde Patrick Zhuwawo and Cde Supa Mandiwanzira are also part of the proceedings here.

11:30: Amai Mugabe has arrived in Bindura and is currently in a closed door briefing with members of Zanu PF Women’s League at Bindura University.

12:05 The First Lady has arrived at Chipadze Stadium amid “Amai, Amai, Amai” chants by Zanu PF supporters. She is accompanied by Cde Edna Madzongwe, Cde Eunice Sandi Moyo and Cde Oppah Muchinguri.

12:18 Mashonaland Central Provincial Chairman, Cde Luke Mushore is now introducing delegates and Mashonaland Central Youth Chairperson appeals to Amai Mugabe to stop senior officials who are inciting members to turn against elected leaders.

14:00 First Lady Amai Mugabe addressing the gathering and says Mashonaland Central is the province where a faction leader comes from. She adds, “but soon we are going to baby dump your faction leader, come congress in December.

14:03 She says people will soon come to know what they mean by the slogan ‘down with Gamatox’ adding that a moment of truth has come for corrupt leaders some of whom own diamond mines in the country.

14:05 Those are the same people who go around denouncing the President and her (Amai Mugabe) projects in Mazoe. She said the same faction leader is the one who has directed and influenced provincial youth chairpersons from Mashonaland East, Masvingo and Manicaland provinces to snub her rallies.

14:08 “Kana uri kuzvinzwa iwe faction leader, simuka kwauri ikoko uende kunavaMugabe unokumbira ruregerero,” she says

14:10 “If the President does not dump you, we are personally going to dump you isu,” she added.

14:13 The First Lady also warned those associated with the so called faction leader to realise that they are being used . . . “Nemi varume vakuru siyanai nezvamuri kuita nekuti very soon you are going to be dumped also.”

14:15 Factionalism, she says, is stalling government programs adding that people should be focused on delivering election promises than stampeding for posts. Amai Mugabe said her election to lead the Women’s League is because of her works.

14:17 Those who lead factions have not been elected because they are not capable, she says. “Mira tikuongorore isu asi ukaona takanyarara ziva kuti urikutadza.”

14:20 The First Lady has bemoaned the increase in rape cases in the province. ‘its Gamatox,’ she says.

14:24 She also said homosexuality should never be practised because its evil. Women and youths, she said, must be given land as initially promised by the provincial leadership.

14:26 Turning to ZimAsset, she said factional leaders, vakadzi vakuru for that matter, should be at the forefront of pushing for the implementation but they are busy doing the opposite. This is coming to an end soon, even the president is fed up with you, she said

14:29 Do not think your faction leader will come in and be in charge. Lets unite because you will be left alone – Amai Mugabe

14: 33 Value addition, she says, is what we need and that is what the president needs.

14:35 Amai Mugabe denounced individuals who are bent on smuggling minerals like gold saying they do not care about the country. ‘Diamonds should benefit everyone with jobs being created.’

14:38 She said she is not afraid of anyone but respects those who respect her. “I am not afraid of anyone. All i need is respect only and i will respect you.’

14:41 The First Lady has also castigated party leaders who are selling party regalia and said those who were made to pay for the regalia should be given their money back. ‘Stop it’, she says adding that a certain politician and his wife went to China and ordered containers of the regalia which they are now selling.

14:44 A true leader like President Mugabe will come from God – Amai Mugabe.

14:45 She also promised to assist women in their projects adding that discipline is needed in business. ‘If it is a revolving fund, please pay back for the benefit of others.

14:47 Amai Mugabe also warned youths who caused chaos in Mutare and said she is aware that they are planning to boo President Mugabe at Congress ‘but this will not happen in our presence.’

14:50 She summed up her address by saying faction leaders should apologise and asked the crowd if they really want so called leaders forgiven. “Munoda kuti aregererwe here? Pamwe acharegererwa, hameno, odzidziswa gwara remusangano. I hope this is the end of factionalism.

14:52 The First Lady has finished her address here at Chipadze Stadium amid wild chants by an impressive crowd of supporters who attended the rally

14:53 “Amai, Amai, Amai, Amai,” they chant.