Robert Mugabe’s ex-wife Grace Mugabe Biography: Net Worth, Children, Husband, Age, Nationality, Parents, Family

Biography

Grace Ntombizodwa Mugabe (born July 23, 1965) is a celebrated Zimbabwean entrepreneur and politician. She served as the First Lady of Zimbabwe from 1996 until her husband’s resignation in November 2017. 

Widowed by the late President Robert Mugabe, she has excelled in various business ventures, showcasing her versatility. As an influential figure in Zimbabwe’s political landscape, Grace Mugabe‘s contributions span entrepreneurship and politics.

Grace Mugabe‘s role as the First Lady spanned over two decades, concluding with her husband’s forced resignation in 2017. The political shift marked a significant chapter’s end for the Mugabe family and Zimbabwe. 

Grace Mugabe
Wiki Facts & About Data
Full Name:	Grace Ntombizodwa Mugabe
Stage Name:	Grace Mugabe
Born:	23 July 1965 (age 58 years old)
Place of Birth:	Benoni, South Africa
Nationality:	Zimbabwean
Education:	Kriste Mambo Secondary School, University of Zimbabwe
Height:	1.58 m
Parents:	Morgan Mugumba, Idah Marufu
Siblings:	Reward Marufu, Sam Marufu, Junior Shuvai Gumbochuma
Spouse:	Robert Mugabe (m. 1996–2019), Stanley Goreraza (m. 1983–1996)
Boyfriend • Partner:	N/A
Children:	Robert Mugabe Jr., Bona Mugabe, Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe, Russell Goreraza
Occupation:	Politician • Businesswoman
Net Worth:	$100 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Born on July 23, 1965, in Benoni, South Africa, Grace Mugabe is the fourth child of migrant parents, with siblings Junior Shuvai Gumbochuma, Reward Marufu, and Sam Marufu. 

In 1970, she moved to Rhodesia to live with her mother, Idah Marufu, in Chivhu, while her father remained in South Africa. Grace‘s alleged father, Morgan Mugumba (88), succumbed to Covid-19 complications and was laid to rest at Mkoba cemetery.

Grace Mugabe attended Chivhu Primary School and Kriste Mambo Secondary School in Manicaland, shaping her academic and personal growth. 

Despite attending a Roman Catholic Boarding School for her primary education, Grace did not pursue further studies or attend college after completing her secondary education.

Career

During her tenure as Zimbabwe’s First Lady, Grace Mugabe engaged in diverse business ventures and charitable activities. She notably founded G40, a political faction supporting her husband’s continued leadership. Rising politically, she assumed leadership of Zanu-PF’s women’s league in 2014. However, controversies surrounded her Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Zimbabwe, casting doubts on its legitimacy.

Grace Mugabe faced criticism within Zanu-PF for her political aspirations. In 2017, her ambitions crumbled as she lost a power struggle to Emmerson Mnangagwa, who assumed the presidency after Robert Mugabe‘s resignation. Subsequently, Grace Mugabe and her family left South Africa following Mnangagwa‘s rise to power.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: Dr. Grace Mugabe @gracemugabezw
• Twitter handle: Grace Mugabe (@GraceMugabe65)

Personal Life

In 1983, Grace Mugabe married Stanley Goreraza and had children, including Russell Goreraza. Their union faced challenges, leading to a divorce in 1996. That same year, she remarried Robert Mugabe, 41 years her senior. Despite the age gap, they had three children: Bona Mugabe, Robert Mugabe Jr., and Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe. She has a grandchild named Simbanashe Chikore.

Grace Mugabe‘s time as First Lady was marked by controversy, with accusations of lavish spending, corruption, and nepotism. She gained notoriety for her outspokenness and affinity for designer clothes.

Recent reports suggest that Grace Mugabe may customarily marry her late husband’s nephew, Leo Mugabe, to retain properties. In Zezuru traditions, if there is no surviving brother to the deceased, the eldest nephew inherits the wife, following the practice of wife inheritance or “kugara nhaka.” Leo Mugabe, Robert Mugabe’s nephew, is set to inherit Grace Mugabe under customary law, being Sabina Mugabe‘s son and the Gushungo family’s spokesperson.

“If Grace chooses not to marry Leo, she has the option for one of her sons to fulfill the tradition. However, in this case, Leo has already paid Lobola,” explained relatives of Mugabe.

Net Worth

Grace Mugabe, who previously held the esteemed position of First Lady in Zimbabwe, is believed to have amassed a staggering net worth of approximately $100 million. This considerable wealth has been attributed to many factors, including her close association with her husband’s political network and successful business endeavors.