Grace Mugabe, born on 23 July 1965 in Chivhu, Zimbabwe, rose to international prominence as the wife of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe. Her life journey from humble beginnings to national and global attention has been marked by influence in Zimbabwe. Born Grace Ntombizodwa Marufu, she grew up in Chivhu in the Mashonaland East Province. After completing her primary and secondary education in Zimbabwe, she initially worked as a secretary at State House, Zimbabwe’s presidential residence. It was here in the late 1980s that she met Robert Mugabe, setting the stage for her later transformation onto the political scene. Grace and Robert Mugabe were married in 1996, following the death of Mugabe’s first wife, Sally. Their elaborate wedding was attended by numerous African leaders and celebrities, reflecting their status in Zimbabwean society. Upon becoming First Lady, Grace Mugabe quickly assumed a public profile, initially focusing on charitable activities and serving as the patron of various women’s and children’s organizations.

During her tenure as First Lady, Grace Mugabe developed business interests, most notably the Mazowe Dairy Estate and a school bearing her name near Harare. She also established a children’s home and launched charity works, largely aimed at supporting youth and orphans.  From the early 2000s onward, Grace Mugabe’s political influence grew rapidly. She became a key figure in the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union  Patriotic Front (ZANU–PF) party, eventually leading its influential Women’s League. She earned the nickname “Gucci Grace” due to her high profile shopping trips, both in Africa and abroad. Grace Mugabe remains a public figure in Zimbabwean society.

Dandaro Online Zimbabwe This Week In History