Mnangagwa’s briefcase sets Twitter ablaze

BEING president of Zimbabwe is not a cheap business – and there’s a briefcase to back up that statement.

As such‚ President Emmerson Mnangagwa knows it. He carries around a Louis Vuitton limited edition presidential briefcase that retails at $8 600 (about R110 000).

At that price no ordinary bloke‚ even with money‚ can buy it: it is listed as “currently out of stock online‚ call for availability” on the French luxury goods website.

The briefcase‚ seen in a picture of the president hugging two children at his office‚ has gone viral on social media, with some saying the president’s priorities are misplaced.

“Mnangagwa’s briefcase is worth $8 600. While the majority are surviving on less than a $1 a day‚ this is a clear case of a life of extravagance and greediness‚” tweeted @maDube.

Since Mnangagwa came into power there have been several strikes from health workers and there’s a looming one from teachers.

Another Twitter user complained that the briefcase cost more than a two years of a nurse’s salary.

Mnangagwa could be a fashionista of sorts. His faction in Zanu-PF‚ Team Lacoste‚ derives its name from a French clothing label. He forced former head of state Robert Mugabe into resignation end of last year with the aid of the military. —