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35 Facts About Grace Mugabe

Linet Thrower

Written by Linet Thrower

Published: 12 Sep 2024

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Source: Face2faceafrica.com

Grace Mugabe is a name that often sparks curiosity and debate. Known for her influential role in Zimbabwe's political landscape, she has been both praised and criticized. But who is she really? Born in South Africa, Grace moved to Zimbabwe, where she eventually married Robert Mugabe, the country's long-time president. Her journey from a secretary to the First Lady of Zimbabwe is nothing short of remarkable. Did you know she holds a PhD in Sociology? Or that she has been involved in numerous philanthropic activities? However, her life is also marked by controversies, including accusations of corruption and lavish spending. Let's dive into 35 intriguing facts about Grace Mugabe that will give you a deeper understanding of this complex figure.

Key Takeaways:

  • Grace Mugabe, a controversial figure in Zimbabwean politics, faced scandals and legal battles. Despite her lavish lifestyle, she also contributed to philanthropy and business ventures, making her a significant figure in society.
  • Grace Mugabe's marriage to former President Robert Mugabe and her political ambitions shaped her life. Her early years, education, and controversies have made her a prominent yet controversial figure in Zimbabwean society.
Table of Contents
01Early Life and Education
02Marriage to Robert Mugabe
03Political Career
04Controversies and Scandals
05Philanthropy and Business Ventures
06Life After Robert Mugabe's Ouster
07Final Thoughts on Grace Mugabe

Early Life and Education

Grace Mugabe, a prominent figure in Zimbabwean politics, has a life filled with intriguing details. Let's explore some fascinating facts about her early years and education.

  1. Born on July 23, 1965, in Benoni, South Africa, Grace Mugabe's birth name was Grace Ntombizodwa Marufu.
  2. Grace's family moved to Zimbabwe when she was five years old.
  3. She attended primary school in Chivhu, a small town in Zimbabwe.
  4. Grace completed her secondary education at Kriste Mambo Secondary School in Manicaland.
  5. She pursued a degree in Chinese language at the University of Zimbabwe.
  6. Grace later earned a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Zimbabwe, though the legitimacy of her degree has been questioned.

Marriage to Robert Mugabe

Grace's marriage to Robert Mugabe, the former President of Zimbabwe, significantly impacted her life and career. Here are some key facts about their relationship.

  1. Grace met Robert Mugabe while working as his secretary in the early 1990s.
  2. At the time, Robert Mugabe was still married to his first wife, Sally Hayfron, who was terminally ill.
  3. Grace and Robert Mugabe married in 1996, four years after Sally's death.
  4. The couple had three children together: Bona, Robert Jr., and Chatunga.
  5. Grace was 41 years younger than Robert Mugabe, creating a significant age gap between them.

Political Career

Grace Mugabe's political career has been marked by controversy and ambition. Here are some notable facts about her political journey.

  1. Grace became actively involved in politics in the early 2000s.
  2. She was appointed head of the ZANU-PF Women's League in 2014.
  3. Grace's political influence grew rapidly, earning her the nickname "Gucci Grace" due to her lavish lifestyle.
  4. She was known for her outspoken nature and often made headlines with her controversial statements.
  5. Grace was a key player in the factional battles within ZANU-PF, particularly against Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
  6. Her political ambitions were evident when she openly expressed her desire to succeed her husband as President.

Controversies and Scandals

Grace Mugabe's life has been riddled with controversies and scandals. Here are some of the most notable ones.

  1. Grace was accused of assaulting a South African model, Gabriella Engels, in 2017.
  2. She faced allegations of corruption and embezzlement of state funds.
  3. Grace's lavish spending habits, including her love for expensive shopping trips, drew criticism from the public.
  4. She was involved in a land dispute with a Belgian farmer, resulting in a court case.
  5. Grace's Ph.D. degree from the University of Zimbabwe was questioned, with allegations of academic fraud.
  6. She was known for her extravagant birthday parties, which were often funded by state resources.

Philanthropy and Business Ventures

Despite the controversies, Grace Mugabe has also been involved in philanthropy and business ventures. Here are some facts about her contributions.

  1. Grace founded the Grace Mugabe Foundation, which focuses on helping orphaned children.
  2. She established the Grace Mugabe Children's Home in Mazowe, Zimbabwe.
  3. Grace was involved in various agricultural projects, including dairy farming.
  4. She owned a luxury mansion in Hong Kong, which was later sold.
  5. Grace had business interests in the mining sector, particularly in gold and diamond mining.
  6. She was known for her passion for fashion and owned a boutique in Harare.

Life After Robert Mugabe's Ouster

After Robert Mugabe was ousted from power in 2017, Grace's life took a different turn. Here are some facts about her life post-Mugabe.

  1. Grace and her family went into temporary exile in Malaysia after the coup.
  2. She returned to Zimbabwe in 2018, following assurances of her safety.
  3. Grace has kept a relatively low profile since her husband's death in 2019.
  4. She continues to live in the Mugabe family home, known as the "Blue Roof" mansion in Harare.
  5. Grace has faced legal battles over properties and assets acquired during her husband's presidency.
  6. Despite her controversial past, Grace remains a significant figure in Zimbabwean society.

Final Thoughts on Grace Mugabe

Grace Mugabe's life is a mix of power, controversy, and influence. From her rise as Zimbabwe's First Lady to her involvement in politics and business, she has left a significant mark on the country's history. Her lavish lifestyle and alleged corruption have sparked debates and criticism, yet her role in Zimbabwe's political landscape remains undeniable. Understanding these facts about Grace Mugabe offers a glimpse into the complexities of her character and the impact she has had on Zimbabwe. Whether viewed as a powerful figure or a controversial one, her story is a testament to the intricate dynamics of power and politics in Zimbabwe. Keep these facts in mind when discussing or studying her life, as they provide a well-rounded perspective on who Grace Mugabe is and what she represents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Grace Mugabe?
Grace Mugabe, often known for her influential role in Zimbabwe's political scene, was the second wife of the late Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe's long-serving leader. Born in South Africa, she made headlines not just for her marriage but also for her lavish lifestyle and involvement in politics, eventually earning nicknames like "Gucci Grace."
How did Grace Mugabe become well-known?
Initially known as the secretary to President Robert Mugabe, her rise to fame came after marrying him in 1996. Over time, her active participation in the ruling ZANU-PF party and her outspoken nature catapulted her into the limelight, making her a prominent but controversial figure in Zimbabwean politics.
What roles did Grace Mugabe play in Zimbabwe's politics?
Beyond her role as the First Lady, Grace Mugabe took a more direct approach to politics by joining the ZANU-PF party. She led its Women's League, which gave her a significant platform to influence party decisions and national politics. Her political ambitions were evident as she was often seen as a potential successor to her husband.
Did Grace Mugabe have any business ventures?
Yes, she was involved in various business ventures, most notably in the dairy industry with her Gushungo Dairy Estate. Despite controversies surrounding land acquisitions for her businesses, she managed to establish herself as a businesswoman in Zimbabwe.
What controversies surrounded Grace Mugabe?
Grace Mugabe's name was often linked with controversy, from allegations of extravagant spending during Zimbabwe's economic crises to accusations of assault in South Africa. Her aggressive bid for power within ZANU-PF also led to political tensions, contributing to the events leading up to her husband's ousting in 2017.
How did Grace Mugabe's political ambitions affect her husband's presidency?
Her political ambitions and actions, particularly her campaign against then Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa, were pivotal in creating rifts within ZANU-PF. This infighting contributed to the military intervention in November 2017, which eventually led to Robert Mugabe's resignation, marking a significant turn in Zimbabwe's political landscape.
What happened to Grace Mugabe after her husband's ousting?
Following Robert Mugabe's ousting, Grace's political influence waned significantly. She has kept a relatively low profile, with reports suggesting she remains in Zimbabwe. Her current status and activities are much less public than during her tenure as First Lady.

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