President Emmerson Mnangagwa has torched another storm after honouring his wife, Auxillia with a gold medal for her “outstanding performance” in charity work.

Since dumping her job as legislator to being the country’s First Lady, Auxillia has been traversing the length and breadth of the country dolling out aid sourced from the national purse.

That has earned her the accolade.

The First Lady is part of nearly a hundred organisations, war veterans and other individuals to be handed with medals as the nation commemorates National Heroes Day next week.

Auxillia was awarded the Order of the Star of Zimbabwe gold medal recipient together with Zaoga founder Ezekiel Guti and Sports minister, Kirsty Coventry.

Mnangagwa is also set to honour former aides Air Chief Marshal Perrance Shiri, Lieutenant General Sibusiso Moyo, Major-General Paradzai Zimondi and ex-minister Joel Biggie Matiza for the National Historical Legacy Award.

Struggle icons, Generals Josiah Magama Tongogara and Nikita Alfred Mangena are being honoured with Grand commander of the Zimbabwe order of merit awards.

Also on the list are spirit mediums Mbuya Nehanda, Sekuru Kaguvi, chiefs Chinengundu Mashayamombe, Chingaira Makoni, Inkosikazi Lozikeyi Dlodlo, Mtshana Khumalo, Mgandane Dlodlo among other spirit mediums who are being honoured with Order of the Great Zimbabwe Diamond.

Journalists, likewise, are receiving some awards among some 33 individuals being honoured with commendation awards.

These include Tawanda Kanhema, Reuben Barwe and Judith Makwanya.

Others receiving the honour include politicians and corporate leaders deemed to have excelled in their field of work.

They include Education minister Cain Mathema, ex-minister Fay Chung and authors Stephen Chifunyise, Charles Mungoshi and Phathisa Nyathi.

It is the first time the country has awarded Heroes’ Day medals to civilians.