By Tatenda Chitagu
MASVINGO Provincial Affairs minister Shuvai Mahofa has boasted about her appointment by President Robert Mugabe saying although she can hardly stand up, the Zanu PF leader has faith in her, claiming she is development oriented.
Addressing guests at Chidyamakono High School in Chivi where she officiated at the school’s celebration party following its retention of the Copa Coca-Cola girls’ football title, Mahofa said Mugabe knew she was development-oriented.
“My age is not fit to be a governor and even if President Mugabe knows I can hardly stand up, he still appointed me to the post because he knows my capabilities when it comes to development,” she boasted.
“I am development-oriented.”
Mahofa (74) replaced Kudakwashe Bhasikiti who was fired for his alleged allegiance to ousted former Vice-President Joice Mujuru.
Mujuru and her backers were accused of trying to unseat Mugabe unconstitutionally.
Mahofa’s appointment was met with mixed feelings after she requested that her office at Benjamin Burombo Government Complex be shifted from the second floor to the ground floor because she could not climb the stairs due to ill health and old age.
Mahofa donated $900 school fees to the 22 girls’ soccer team that won the Copa Coca-Cola trophy.
Speaking at the same function, Chivi Rural District Council chairperson Killer Zivhu, who also donated $210 for a party for the team, urged the school to balance between sports and academics.
“I can see you are very talented in sports, but you also need to up the game when it comes to schooling. It is very good to identify pupils’ strengths, but that should not be limited to sports,” he said.
Zivhu pledged to donate $8 000 worth of teaching aides, lab equipment and books for both primary and secondary students at the school.
He also pledged a 35-seater bus and paint for the school that will be donated through the proposed Shuvai Ben Mahofa Foundation.
Chidyamakono beat St Francis and St Clare High School of Mashonaland Central 1-0 in the final at Barbourfields Stadium last month.
