Former First Lady Dr. Grace Mugabe quietly celebrated her 60th birthday on Saturday with an exclusive but opulent gathering in Harare, drawing an eclectic mix of political figures that has reignited speculation about her potential return to public life.
The event, held at a private venue in the capital, was anything but low-key despite being closed to the public and media. It was attended by several high-profile personalities from across Zimbabwe’s political spectrum—many of whom have, at various times, found themselves on opposing sides of the country’s turbulent political landscape.
Among the notable guests were Second Lady Miniyothabo “Minnie” Baloyi, wife to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga; Elizabeth Macheka, widow of the late opposition MDC leader and former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai; Zanu PF spokesperson Chris Mutsvangwa; and Grace’s own brother, Mike Bimha, a former Zanu PF National Political Commissar, accompanied by his wife Tsitsi. The presence of these figures, representing both the ruling party’s establishment and remnants of past opposition, added a layer of intrigue to the occasion.
Dr. Grace Mugabe, who earned the nickname “Gucci Grace” during her years as First Lady due to her extravagant lifestyle and love for luxury fashion, remains a polarising figure in Zimbabwean politics. Her political ascent from presidential secretary to First Lady and later as a major force within the Zanu PF party was as rapid as it was controversial.
As the de facto leader of the G40 (Generation 40) faction within Zanu PF, Grace was widely perceived to be positioning herself to succeed her aging husband, the late President Robert Mugabe. Her open clashes with then-Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa and her growing control over the levers of power intensified internal party strife and eventually helped precipitate the dramatic events of November 2017. That month, the military launched a coup which resulted in the resignation of Robert Mugabe and abruptly ended Grace’s ambitions of rising to the presidency.
Since the ouster, Grace Mugabe has largely retreated from public view. Apart from a handful of court appearances and occasional news headlines—most of them related to property disputes, inheritance battles, or the 2017 assault accusation involving a South African model—she has remained silent. This absence, combined with the collapse of the G40 faction and the arrest or exile of many of her key allies, led many to believe her political chapter was firmly closed.
Grace Mugabe Marks 60th Birthday with Lavish Private Celebration, Sparks Speculation of Comeback
However, her reappearance at Saturday’s birthday celebration has rekindled speculation that she may be seeking to re-enter the public sphere—whether through political, philanthropic, or other social platforms. The presence of guests from both sides of the political divide has led observers to suggest that the event was more than just a birthday party; it may have been a calculated step toward testing the waters for a comeback of some sort.
Political analyst Dr. Tendai Murapa noted that while the event was officially apolitical, its guest list tells a different story. “This wasn’t just a gathering of friends and family. The inclusion of active political figures signals a possible repositioning by Grace Mugabe. Whether it’s a return to politics, civil society leadership, or merely reasserting social influence, it’s clear she wants to remind the country that she’s still around,” Murapa said.
For now, Grace Mugabe has made no public statements regarding her intentions. Her return to the spotlight comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s political scene is increasingly fractured, with deepening factionalism within Zanu PF and a weakened opposition struggling to regroup. In such a context, even a symbolic figure like the former First Lady could play a role in shaping conversations—especially if she leverages her past networks and enduring influence in certain constituencies.
While some within the ruling party may be wary of her re-emergence, others may view it as a potential opportunity to unify disparate factions or reignite certain legacy alliances. Her history as both a divisive and charismatic figure ensures that her every move will continue to attract attention, whether for admiration or suspicion.
For now, one thing is clear: Grace Mugabe has stepped, however cautiously, back into the public eye. And as always with the former First Lady, the line between private life and political theatre remains blurry.
Source- ZimEye
