BeulalandBlog : Mugabe's eye-watering retirement perks

Robert and Grace

Zimbabwe’s fallen dictator will have a fully staffed private office, bodyguards and chauffeur-driven cars likely to cost the country tens of thousands of pounds each year.

The other perks included in the lavish retirement package are first-class air travel, a multimillion-pound mansion, private health insurance and numerous staff.

His wife, Grace, will be allowed to keep most of the perks after he dies.

Robert Mugabe’s palace at Borrowdale Brooke

ALPHA
The terms of Mr Mugabe’s soft landing after 37 years in office were spelt out in the state-run newspaper The Herald. He was sent packing last month following a coup.

Several commentators have said that Mr Mugabe’s retirement package was a further sign that nothing had changed, and that it would ultimately benefit Mr Mnangagwa too.

Zimbabwean presidents who serve at least one term of office will be entitled to a five-bedroom house with a separate guest wing, a swimming pool and 19 full-time members of staff. Since Mr Mugabe already owns a £7.5 million palatial home in Harare, he will be given a lump sum instead.

Mr Mugabe, at first, refused to vacate power for six tense days after the military takeover, eventually agreeing to step down on November 21. He will get at least six bodyguards, three housekeepers, two gardeners, two waiters, two cooks and two full-time laundry staff. He will also have an office with phones, computers, private secretaries and other staff and all his household bills will be paid.

The state will provide a Mercedes Benz S500 saloon or equivalent, a four-wheel drive and a pick-up truck, complete with fuel and two drivers, to be at the couple’s disposal day and night.

When Mr Mugabe dies his wife, who is known by her detractors as Gucci Grace, will be entitled to “suitable state residential accommodation until she dies or remarries”. They can each claim four first-class flights a year, diplomatic passports and private health insurance.