Is Grace now running government?

The detail that she revealed indicates that she could have access to classified security information normally reserved only for the Head of State. She apparently used this information to lambast Joice Mujuru, the national and Zanu (PF) vice president.

Again, it seemed as though she had wrested her husband’s powers by making comments on who should be a national vice president, going to the extent of urging Mujuru to resign or face expulsion. The line between party and government business is very thin where Zanu (PF) is concerned.

While Grace might have been voicing her own opinions, her position is made tricky by the fact that she is the First Lady and whatever she says cannot escape being interpreted within a certain context. She has also been talking with presidential authority and always reminds her audiences that she is the president’s wife. In other words, she sounds as though she is talking on behalf of Mugabe. To make matters worse, he has been quiet throughout.

Recent reports claim that Grace is taking advantage of her husband’s advanced age – even going to the extent of dictating to him who he should or should not interact with, even within the realm of government business. These reports have not been officially denied.

We therefore share a deep-seated worry that Grace could be interfering with government business. She has no constitutional claim to take upon herself the duty of running government on behalf of her husband – no matter how senile he may be. It would set a very bad precedent. Mugabe is the one who is currently mandated to rule Zimbabwe—despite the controversy that surrounded his election last year. There is no room for a proxy because he has not been officially declared incapacitated.

There is a strong possibility that, if allowed to continue interfering with government business, Grace—or any other First Lady for that matter—could easily manipulate state institutions and systems to further her own interests.

Currently, the ruling party is embroiled in a bitter factional war as hounds position themselves to succeed Mugabe. Grace has not helped her case by associating herself with one of the factions. She could abuse government processes to further the interests of those in her camp, at the expense of the Zimbabwean public. She must be restrained – somehow.