President Mugabe and his wife, Grace have given their newly wedded daughter and her man US$100 000 – and 55 head of cattle as a wedding present.
“Ini naAmai takati vana vari kutifadza ava, ngatiedzeiwo kuvatsvagira zvatingavatsvagire, mombe tinadzo tovatsvagira, takati we should give them not less than 55. “Financially, we know they (Simba and Bona) have spent quite a lot on their wedding. We have spent quite a lot too, tine ma expenses akati kuti zvedu but we have put aside a bit of money so we’re giving them US$100 000 for that,” the beaming father of the bride, President Mugabe, said.
His announcement was followed by wild applause and ululation. The President also gave assurances that he and the First Lady would always have their doors open should the new couple need any assistance.
“Tinezenge tichiona pamagariro avo, kugara kwavangade kuita kuti vane rumwe ruyamuro here so we’ll keep our ears open and varege kunyara zvavo. Tiri kudeveloper-wo mbichana mbichana ku dairy kwedu, mombe taanadzo dzakatiwandei tinokwanisa kutengesawo kuti tibatsirikane.”
A local mining company weighed in with another US$100 000. Equatorial Guinea President Mr Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and his wife, gave the newlweds US$35 000.
Businessman Mr Ihmad Ahmed made a gift of US50 000, while Mr and Mrs Gabriel Mugabe showered the couple with US$25 000, plus 10 head of cattle. ZAOGA (FIF) Qatar, where Mr Chikore is a senior elder, gave him and his new wife US$2 600.
Zambian President Mr Michael Sata and his wife Dr Christine Kaseba congratulated the couple with a gift hamper worth about US$4 000. Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Nicholas Goche came in with US$2 000, while the Zimbabwe Republic Police – represented by Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri – presented the newlyweds with US$10 000.
The couple can now boast of a large herd of cattle as many other guests, including Mr Leo Mugabe and other family members, also presented them with beasts. Numerous other guests also came forward with cash gifts of US$1 000 and above, while many others made gifts of livestock.
