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Grace Ntombizodwa Mugabe (born 23 July 1965) is a prominent Zimbabwean businessman and politician. She served as First Lady of Zimbabwe from 1996 until her husband resigned in November 2017.
As the widow of the late President Robert Mugabe, she excelled in various business ventures, demonstrating her versatility. An influential figure in Zimbabwe’s political landscape, Grace Mugabe’s contributions span both business and politics.
Grace Mugabe’s role as First Lady spanned more than two decades, ending with her husband’s forced resignation in 2017. The political change marked the end of an important chapter for the Mugabe family and Zimbabwe.
Former First Lady of Zimbabwe
Grace Mugabe |
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 Grace Mugabe: History ‧ Bio ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Info & About Data | |
| First and last name: | Grace Ntombizodwa Mugabe |
| Stage name: | Grace Mugabe |
| Born: | July 23, 1965 (58 years old) |
| Place of birth: | Benoni, South Africa |
| Nationality: | Zimbabwean |
| Education: | Kriste Mambo High School, University of Zimbabwe |
| Height: | 1.58 m |
| Parents: | Morgan Mugumba, Idah Marufu |
| Siblings: | Marufu Award, Sam Marufu, Junior Shuvai Gumbochuma |
| Couple: | Robert Mugabe (m. 1996–2019), Stanley Goreraza (m. 1983–1996) |
| Boyfriend • Partner: | do not apply |
| Children: | Robert Mugabe Jr., Bona Mugabe, Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe, Russell Goreraza |
| Job: | Politician • Businesswoman |
| Net value: | 100 million USD (USD) |
Early Life & Education
Born on 23 July 1965 in Benoni, South Africa, Grace Mugabe was the fourth child of immigrant parents, with siblings Junior Shuvai Gumbochuma, Reward Marufu and Sam Marufu.
In 1970, she moved to Rhodesia to live with her mother, Idah Marufu, in Chivhu, while her father remained in South Africa. Grace’s alleged father, Morgan Mugumba (88), passed away from complications of Covid-19 and was laid to rest at Mkoba cemetery.
Grace Mugabe attended Chivhu Primary School And Kriste Mambo Middle School at Manicaland, shaping her academic and personal development.
Although attending one Roman Catholic boarding school As for her primary education, Grace did not pursue further or higher education after completing her secondary education.
Career
During her tenure as First Lady of Zimbabwe, Grace Mugabe participated in many business projects and charitable activities. It is noteworthy that she founded G40, a political faction that supported her husband’s continued leadership. Rising to prominence politically, she assumed leadership of the Zanu-PF women’s federation in 2014. However, the controversy surrounding her Ph.D. in the sociology of words University of Zimbabweraises doubts about its legitimacy.
Grace Mugabe faced criticism within Zanu-PF for her political aspirations. In 2017, her ambitions collapsed when she lost a power struggle to Emmerson Mnangagwa, who assumed the presidency after Robert Mugabe resigned. Later, Grace Mugabe and her family left South Africa after Mnangagwa came to power.
Social Media
- Instagram handle: Dr. Grace Mugabe @gracemugabezw
- Twitter handle: Grace Mugabe (@GraceMugabe65)
Personal life
In 1983, Grace Mugabe married Stanley Goreraza and had children, including Russell Goreraza. Their marriage faced many challenges, leading to divorce in 1996. That same year, she remarried Robert Mugabe, 41 years her senior. Despite the age gap, they have three children: Bona Mugabe, Robert Mugabe Jr. and Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe. She has a grandchild named Simbanashe Chikore.
Grace Mugabe’s time as First Lady was marked by controversy, with accusations of lavish spending, corruption and nepotism. She is famous for her outspokenness and love of designer clothes.
Recent reports suggest that Grace Mugabe may marry her late husband’s nephew, Leo Mugabe, to keep his fortune. According to Zezuru tradition, if the deceased has no living brothers, the eldest grandson will inherit his wife, according to the custom of wife succession or “kugara nhaka.” Leo Mugabe, Robert Mugabe’s grandson, will inherit Grace Mugabe by customary law, as Sabina Mugabe’s son and Gushungo family spokesperson.
“If Graceful choose not to get married Lion, she has the option of having one of her sons carry out the tradition. However, in this case, Lion paid Lobola”, Mugabe’s relatives explained.
Net value
Grace Mugabe, who previously held the esteemed position of First Lady in Zimbabwe, is said to have amassed a staggering net worth of around $100 million. This considerable wealth was due to many factors, including her close ties to her husband’s political network and successful business endeavors.
