Students back Amai Mugabe

Tichaona Zindoga Herald Reporter
The Zimbabwe Council of Students Unions and the National Youth Service Graduates Association have rallied behind President Mugabe and the elevation of the First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe to lead the Zanu-PF Women’s League.
The bodies addressed a joint Press conference in Harare yesterday where they slammed infighting and factionalism in the party which has peaked in recent months.
Chairman of the Harare Province chapter of Zicosu, Mr Malvern Kwaramba, said as affiliates of Zanu-PF, the students’ body supported people’s choices for leadership.

“We came here to endorse President Mugabe and we are throwing our weight behind Amai Grace Mugabe to lead the Women’s League,” he said.
“We support those elected according to the constitution and those asked to lead the party, that is why we support President Mugabe and Amai as they were recently endorsed by the youth and women’s leagues. As affiliates, we echo their sentiments.”

Mr Kwaramba expressed support for provincial youth chairpersons, some of whom were facing reprisals for supporting the elevation of the First Lady.
He applauded President Mugabe for halting suspicious disciplinary proceedings that had begun to be instituted in Harare and Mashonaland West.

National Youth Service Graduates Association vice chairman for Harare province Mr Steven Katehwe said his organisation supported the rise of Amai Mugabe on the basis of her nomination and endorsement by the women’s and youth leagues.

He said: “As the vanguard of the party and its affiliates, we are fully behind the people. Zanu-PF is a people’s party and their wishes must be respected. We are also saying no to factionalism.”

Student leaders from Harare Polytechnic and the Harare Institute of Technology also made representations in support of the President and the First Lady.
This is the latest in a growing catalogue of endorsements for philanthropist and businesswoman Amai Grace Mugabe’s entry into the political arena.

Apart from the women and youth leagues, traditional leaders this week also blessed Amai Mugabe’s entry into politics.