By Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo| Following a lengthy absence from public activities,Masvingo State Minister Shuvai Ben Mafoha has finally resurfaced.
Minister Mahofa stunned party members when she praised First Lady Grace Mugabe during a Zanu PF Masvingo Provincial Coordinating Committee meeting held at Victoria Primary School on Sunday. Mahofa, who before falling ill last year, openly attacked Mrs Mugabe saying she would never replace her nonagenarian husband, President Robert Mugabe, stunned all and sundry when she spoke glowingly about the controversial First Lady.
Many view Mahofa’s climbdown as a result of the trauma she experienced following a suspected case of food poisoning at the December Zanu PF conference.
The visibly ill Mahofa, who had to address the meeting while seated, said Mrs Mugabe was a hard working woman who cared for the welfare of the people of Zimbabwe-including Masvingo Province. “I am glad because I am now back at work. I want to thank President Robert Mugabe and the First Lady for helping me during difficult times. I wish to thank the First Lady for donating food to the drought prone Chivi district,” said Mahofa.
Mahofa also said she hoped Mrs Mugabe would continue to bail out the needy in the community.
The Minister who once boldly declared Grace was day-dreaming about her presidential aspirations, has made a complete about turn. Political analysts say Mahofa’s shift indicates the demise of the Team Lacoste (Mnangagwa faction) in the province.