Mugabe to receive $10m retirement package and perks
Zimbabwe's ousted president Robert Mugabe will get a residence, a car fleet and
private air travel as part of a new government-funded retirement package for
former leaders, state media reported Thursday.
Mugabe will also be entitled to at least 20 staffers including six personal
security guards, all paid for from state coffers, according to details of the
benefits published in The Herald newspaper.
The 93-year-old, who quit last month under popular pressure following a
military takeover, is the first beneficiary of the generous measures unveiled
Wednesday by new
President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
No monetary details were spelt out, but the country's constitution stipulates
that an ex-president is entitled to a pension equivalent to the salary of a
sitting president.
Local independent media reported last month that Mugabe was granted a
$10-million (R123,6m) retirement bonus as part of a deal to persuade him to
eventually resign. The government denied the claims.
As part of the new package, Mugabe will have three cars -- a Mercedes Benz
S500 Series or an equivalent class of sedan, an all-terrain station wagon and a
pickup van -- which will be replaced every five years.
The government will also pay for fuel.
Mugabe and his wife will be entitled to diplomatic passports. The couple can
go on four first-class air or train trips within Zimbabwe and four trips abroad
on a private plane.
Mugabe will also be awarded a fully-furnished official residence anywhere in
the capital Harare, in addition to bills and entertainment allowances.
Health insurance for the former leader, his spouse and dependants is also included in the raft of benefits.
Mugabe resigned on November 21 after his party expelled him and parliament
began proceedings to impeach him in the wake of a military intervention.
His 37-year tenure was marked by accusations of rights abuses, electoral
fraud and economic ineptitude.
He was replaced by his long-time ally Mnangagwa, who had fallen out with
Mugabe after the president sided with his 52-year-old wife Grace in a bitter
feud.
Source: eNCA
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