Zimbabwe's first lady plans wheelchair for aging president Robert Mugabe

Zimbabwe’s first lady says she plans to get a “special” wheelchair for her 91-year-old husband so that he can continue to rule.

Speaking at a political rally on Saturday, Grace Mugabe told supporters that she would get a wheelchair for her husband, President Robert Mugabe, to use.

In the televised speech, Mugabe, 50, vowed to push the wheelchair herself, taking a swipe at critics who say her husband is too old to govern. Mugabe said she would ensure her husband remains in power as long as he can still speak.

She has denied harbouring ambitions to succeed her husband, pledging instead to support his next presidential bid.

“I am standing here as the wife of the president as well as the person you chose to lead the women’s league,” she told supporters in the capital last week. “I do not need any other position.”

Grace Mugabe said her focus is on leading the Zanu-PF women’s wing and that she would support Mugabe when he seeks re-election, even if he is wheelchair-bound by then.

“Some have laughed at me saying Mugabe’s wife must be mad. I said we will put Mr Mugabe in a wheelchair and go for elections,” she said.