Mugabe ‘jovial’, in good health after resignation

Looking forward to farming, rural life

Harare – Robert Mugabe’s nephew said yesterday that the ousted Zimbabwean president was in good health and “quite jovial” after being forced to resign when a military takeover ended his 37 years in power.

Leo Mugabe, however, declined to discuss the $10-million (about R139-million) retirement bonus reportedly granted to the 93-year-old former president as part of a deal that finally persuaded him to resign on Tuesday.

“He is fine. I have been to see him, he is quite jovial,” Leo said.

“He is actually looking forward to his new life – farming and staying at the rural home. He has taken it well.”

He said Mugabe’s wife Grace was now concentrating on plans to build a university in his honour. “I like the spirit she has, she is with him all the time. She is an amazing person. She wants to continue planning the Robert Mugabe University so they have something to do.”

In the exit negotiations, Mugabe was granted a $10-million lump sum, full immunity and allowed to keep his assets, according to the respected Zimbabwe Independent newspaper.

He will still be paid his full salary, in line with the constitution, while Grace will reportedly receive half his pay after his death.

Asked about the deal, Mugabe’s long-time spokesman George Charamba said “the package of a retiring president will be defined [by] law”.