Starts Grace relationship
Robert starts a relationship with Grace, who is a secretary in his office and is 40 years his junior. Mugabe claims that Sally was aware of the relationship and “accepted it”.
I did tell her and she just kept quiet and said fine but she did ask, ‘Do you still love me?’ I said yes. And she said, ‘Oh, fine’. Even as Sally was still going through her last few days, although it might have appeared to some as cruel, I said to myself well, it’s not just myself needing children, my mother has all the time said, ah, am I going to die without seeing grandchildren?
Mugabe, Marufu marry
Mugabe marries Grace Marufu in a Catholic mass, in Kutama, 80 kilometres (50 miles) west of Harare. The church wedding has been criticised by some Catholic leaders, who argue Christian doctrines brand polygamy as adultery. President Chissano of Mozambique is best man. After the three-hour ceremony the couple emerge from the church to thousands of well wishers singing and and cheering. Nelson Mandela and leaders from Botswana and Namibia attend the reception.
Book auctioned for $50 000
A book chronicling the life of First Lady Grace Mugabe in pictures, titled Amai Dr Grace Mugabe at 50, is bought for $50 000 by Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries founder Prophet Magaya after he outbids other potential buyers. The bids for the book start at $5 000 during the First Lady’s 50th birthday celebrations gala and fund-raising dinner held at the First Family’s home in Harare. Prophet Magaya says he is happy to meet the First Family and he will continue to support the First Lady’s philanthropic work.