Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa unveiled Robert Mugabe’s retirement package to the surprise of many. Taxpayers’ billions will be wasted just to finance Mugabe’s retirement.
But why would a man who has been in power for 37 years still be paid by the state? On Wednesday December 27 Zimbabwe’s new president Emmerson Mnangagwa unveiled the generous retirement benefits that Mugabe was entitled to:
New fleet
Robert Mugabe will have three cars provided by the state. The three vehicles – a Mercedes Benz S500 Series or an equivalent class of sedan, an all-terrain station wagon and a pickup van, will be replaced every five years.
Zimbabwean government will also cater for the fuel.
New residence
Robert Mugabe will be awarded a fully-furnished official residence anywhere in the capital Harare. The 93-year-old is also entitled to entertainment allowances plus his bills will be paid by the government.
Staff
Robert Mugabe will also be entitled to at least 20 staffers including six personal security guards. All staff will be paid for from state coffers.
Diplomatic passports
Zimbabwean government has issued diplomatic passports to Robert Mugabe and his wife Grace Mugabe. What this means is that the two won’t have to deal with immigration when traveling abroad.
Private jet
Robert Mugabe and his wife are entitle to a four first-class air or train trips within Zimbabwe and four trips abroad on a private plane. All these at the expense of Zimbabwean taxpayers.
Note: No monetary details were spelt out in Mugabe’s retirement benefits. The country’s constitution however stipulates that an ex-president is entitled to a pension equivalent to the salary of a sitting president.
