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October 15 - 22, 2014

Media Monitoring Report for Zimbabwe
Posted on October 22, 2014

Contents

Compiled by – MIGS Desk Officer for Zimbabwe – Mike Taylor

  1. Grace Mugabe’s Meet the People tour and accusations
  2. Daily News targeted by Grace Mugabe
Grace Mugabe’s Meet the People tour and accusations
Independent Media

Daily News, October 17, 2014
“Grace wants Mujuru out”, by Lloyd Mbiba

  • Grace Mugabe declared that she would spearhead efforts to dump Joice Mujuru on the streets and that “flies and dogs would resent her.”
  • These remarks took place in Bindura, Zimbabwe at a rally for her Meet the People tour.
  • Grace did not mention Mujuru by name, however she made obvious indications as to who she was referring to.
  • The First Lady “gave her husband the option to chuck Mujuru out, or else she would do it herself.”
  • She warned supporters of the Mujuru faction of also being dumped by Zanu PF.

Southern Eye, October 17, 2014
“Violence as villagers resist Grace Mugabe Rally”, by Albert Ncube

  • Grace Mugabe’s Gwanda rally saw violence as two Zanu PF activists were injured.
  • Four individuals were charged with public violence.
  • They became upset with two individuals whom they accused of supporting Grace Mugabe and assisted with the transport of Grace supporters from Harare.
  • The ‘victims’ have accused the individuals charged with public violence of being MDC-T supporters. One of the accused denies the charges, while the three others have pleaded guilty.

Zimbabwe Independent, October 18, 2014
“Rallies expose Grace Mugabe backers”, by Herbert Moyo

  • Grace’s nationwide rallies have exposed backers including high-ranking Zanu PF officials aligned to Emmerson Mnangagwa’s faction.
  • Major backers include Oppah Muchinguri, Jonathan Moyo, Saviour Kasukuwere, Patrick Zhuwao, Philip Chiyangwa and others.
  • The group has moved to dispel rumors that taxpayer funds are being used to subsidize Grace’s rallies.
  • Grace has been principally using the rallies to attack opponents, particularly Joice Mujuru.
  • Political analysts say that Emmerson Managagwa is in the background of all of the support that Grace Mugabe is getting.
  • If Grace is able to capture the succession race for the presidency of Zimbabwe, it would be a violation of the Zanu PF constitution.
  • Analysts are beginning to question why Robert Mugabe has been so quiet considering the aggressiveness with which his wife is attacking the opposition and making a clear run for the presidency.

News Day, October 19, 2014
“Grace Mugabe rallies expose gap between poor, rich”, by Tapiwa Zivira

  • The author gives a descriptive analysis of a rally on Grace Mugabe’s Meet the People tour.
  • Mostly women and youths present (with many of the youths visibly intoxicated at 10 a.m.) wearing t-shirts with a portrait of Grace Mugabe. The atmosphere is incredibly hot and many find relief in ice-cream and frozen treats on sale for one rand.
  • Youths try to greet party officials as they make their way to the stage, but all are forcibly restricted from doing so by security.
  • Security consists of police, soldiers and prison officers are in full force and maintain a clear line between the main arena and the VIP section. In the VIP section, mineral water and other refreshments are served; there is of course, a red carpet.
  • Officials are sporting tailor-made party-regalia, designer handbags and jewelry, designer pants, dresses and skirts. Grace Mugabe is no exception.
  • She begins glorifying the first family and denouncing political rivals. The speech has begun.
  • Those who want to escape the long speech and the blistering sun must wait: security has orders not to let anyone leave until the speech is done. A scuffle breaks out between youth and the police. Backup arrives.
  • Following the speeches hundreds mount into hired busses. Others trek back home barefoot in the sun. Zanu PF youths are waiting to take back t-shirts not being worn after the rally. Back at the arena, a feast begins. A buffet is served: chatter.
  • According to media analyst Rashweat Mukundu, the rallies have exposed the gap between “the ruling elite and the suffering masses of Zimbabwe.
  • Grace has failed to articulate the challenges facing the people, the growing unemployment, the lack of housing, access to water and health.
  • At one of her rallies, she accused the men of Matabeleland of “escaping to South Africa” leaving their wives and children suffering – there is no work.

Daily News, October 20, 2014
“Mugabe backs Mujuru attacks”, by Lloyd Mbiba

  • In State-run Bulawayo-based Chronicle, an unnamed government official confirmed that the First Lady was acting on behalf of Robert Mugabe.
  • Both Robert and Grace Mugabe have both publicly snubbed VP Mujuru in recent days.
  • Analysts suspect that Mugabe is behind Grace’s recent attacks on Mujuru, but neither Robert nor Grace have made clear their plans to the public.
  • Other analysts suggest that Grace is taking advantage of Robert Mugabe’s advanced age and reduced faculties.

Free & Fair Zimbabwe Election, October 20, 2014
“Grace is a liar”

  • Both the MDC-T and Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn (MKD) have denied that their parties were created “in the house” of Joice Mujuru as Grace Mugabe alleges.
  • MDC spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora has replied to Grace’s accusations by calling them “absolute rubbish”.
  • He also suggested that Grace Mugabe should stop trying to rope the opposition into Zanu PF internal fighting.
  • He claimed that the party was publicly formed when it was realized that a black party could be equally as repressive as a white party (referring to Ian Smith’s regime).
  • He finished by thanking Grace for destroying the Zanu PF from the inside.
State-owned media

The Herald, October 17, 2014
“Apologize or face the boot”, VP told, by Felix Share and Farirai Machivenyka

  • At a rally for Grace Mugabe’s Meet the People tour in Bindura, she made allegations against a senior female Zanu PF member who she accused of spreading factionalism.
  • The remarks are believed to be directed at Vice President Joice Mujuru.
  • Grace urged Mujuru to ask Robert Mugabe for forgiveness.
  • She subsequently accused Mujuru of “illicit diamond dealings, extorting shareholding in some companies, demanding ten percent bribes and undermining the authority of President Mugabe . . .”
  • She meanwhile defended her own dealings in the diamond industry.
  • Grace also claimed that the “factionalism demon” had been exorcised from all of the provinces she had toured.

The Herald, October 21, 2014
“Opposition rallies behind Mujuru”

  • In response to Grace Mugabe’s recent verbal attacks, opposition party members have defended VP Joice Mujuru.
  • Grace Mugabe has alleged that the MDC and Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn were formed with the assistance of Mujuru.
  • The Herald alleges that the MDC is a neo-colonial project backed by British institutions.
  • Dr. Lovemore Madhuku of the MDC has publicly stated that he does not want a Mugabe regime and “will go to war” in order to prevent one.
  • Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Chris Mutsvangwa said that the onus was on Mujuru to disprove the claims regarding her involvement in the development of the opposition.
Daily News targeted by Grace Mugabe
Independent Media

Media Institute of Southern Africa – Zimbabwe, October 20, 2014
“First Lady Goes After Daily News”, by Fungi Kwaramba

  • Grace Mugabe incited Zanu PF supporters against journalists from the Daily News.
  • The newspaper which has previously been shut down by Robert Mugabe has been accused of writing negative stories about her family.
  • At a rally, Grace asked for a reporter from the Daily News to stand up as angry party hacks were chanting “pasi neDaily News” (Down with Daily News).
  • No staff members in the crowd obeyed her command. She then went on to accuse writers of supporting the opposition.
  • She then announced that all journalists for the Daily News were MDC party supporters.
  • She continued, saying that some Zanu PF officials also have stakes in the opposition media.
  • During the rally, State-owned ZBC correspondent Makwanya patronized and intimidated present reporters who were taking notes.
  • At that point, Grace thundered “Who is from the Daily News?”

*No state-owned media reported on this.

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