IT’S that time of the year again when the rumour mill goes over the board speculating about President Robert Mugabe’s health.
Staff Reporter
Mugabe traditionally goes on annual leave in January and his long absence often sparks rumours that he is seriously ill or worse that he is dead.
This year the speculation was triggered by phantom Facebook character Baba Jukwa, who claimed that the 89-year-old Zanu PF leader had collapsed at State House. Top Australian media outlets such as the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and The Sydney Morning Herald carried stories about Mugabe’s alleged collapse based on information posted by Baba Jukwa.
Zanu PF was yesterday forced to rebut the rumours with deputy director of information Psychology Maziwisa telling South African media the speculation had no basis.
“Certainly there is nothing new about these reports as we hear about them every year,” he said.
“Our president is very much alive and we will be celebrating his birthday in a month’s time. He is as fit as a fiddle.”
Mugabe would turn 90 on February 21 and his birthday is usually celebrated throughout the month in provinces before a lavish party held at national level.
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Maziwisa said it was unfortunate that some people were still bitter about the outcome of the July 31 elections in which Mugabe’s party won overwhelmingly and, therefore, wanted to paint a bad picture of the president.
“We’re aware of who these people are and we know about their tactics to try and smear the good name of out president,” he charged.
“These are our opponents and critics who have failed dismally in elections. Now they want to use fake individuals to try and cause false alarm and despondency in our country.”
Mugabe usually holidays in the Far East. Last year he was forced to address rumours about his health, revealing that he only underwent an operation to cure an eye cataract.
He has also laughed off rumours about his death saying he had resurrected more times than Jesus Christ.
“I have died many times. I have actually beaten Jesus Christ because he only died once,” Mugabe said in an interview with ZBC ahead of his 88 birthday in 2012 .
— Additional reporting by News24
