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Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
THE National Patriotic Front (NPF) has hailed President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputies for facilitating travel arrangements for the former First Lady Mrs Grace Mugabe to attend her mother’s funeral.

The former First Lady’s mother, Ambuya Idah Marufu and mother-in-law to former President Mr Robert Mugabe, died last Thursday at the Trauma Centre in Harare at the age of 83.

President Mnangagwa on Friday mourned her death saying it was unfortunate that Ambuya Marufu died when the former First Family was not well with Mrs Mugabe receiving medical treatment in Singapore.

NPF, a G40 political outfit founded by ex-Zanu-PF rejects linked to the Mugabes, expressed gratitude to the President for assisting Mrs Mugabe to attend her mother’s funeral.

In a statement posted on his Twitter account, NPF spokesperson Mr Jealousy Mawarire praised the Presidium for what he described as a kind gesture.

“I want to thank Pres @edmnangagwa and his presidium for facilitating the travel of former First Lady Dr Mugabe back home for the funeral of Ambuya Marufu. Such a gesture is very invaluable and much appreciated.

“May the Lord keep you, lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace (Nu 6:24-26),” twitted Mr Mawarire.

Following his comments, social media was inundated with praise for the President. A majority said President Mnangagwa’s actions were a sign of maturity considering the insults he received from Mrs Mugabe during her husband’s rule.

“When good things are done who are we to always bring negativity…? We thank His Excellence Emmerson Mnangagwa for this kind gesture. Sign of pure maturity. Soft as wool for sure,” twitted Obie Kharah.

Commenting on the same issue, Ishmael Mazorodze said: “@edmnangagwa is soft and humane. In spite of all the nonsense that Grace Mugabe did to him, his arms remain open to her and he chooses love not hate. All this l suppose because he respects #RGMugabe.”

President Mnangagwa, then Vice President, last year became a subject of insults from the former First Lady during the Zanu-PF Presidential Youth Interface Rallies.

However, after ascending to power, the President has not spoken ill of the former First Family, only saying Mrs Mugabe was used by his political opponents. — @nqotshili.