Zimbabwean President's 'huge' pension forced to resign

Under Zimbabwe's constitution, former President Robert Mugabe and his wife will still enjoy pensions after agreeing to resign and be immune from prosecution, Citizen news network reported on November 23.

Former President Robert Mugabe and his wife. Photo: Reuters

Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF party said yesterday it would grant immunity from prosecution to Mr Mugabe under a clause given when he agreed to step down, ending his 37 years in power.

As a result, Mr. Mugabe and his wife, former First Lady Grace, will continue to receive their normal retirement benefits, including pensions, housing, travel allowances, insurance, and some security mechanisms. Some sources also said that Mr. and Mrs. Mugabe will be allowed to keep many valuable assets, including their private residence called "The Blue House" near the center of the capital, Harare.

Under the Pensions Act for Former Presidents and their Spouses, the first President will be paid a pension equivalent to 75% of the current President's annual salary. Since 31 December 1987 (when Mr. Mugabe assumed office as President), any former President/Vice President of Zimbabwe who has served at least one term will receive a pension equivalent to that of the current President/Vice President. These persons will not be entitled to the above pension if they are removed from office due to unconstitutional or serious violations.

Based on the above regulations, Mr. Mugabe is still entitled to pension benefits, including a pension equivalent to that of the incumbent president.

In a 2015 interview, Mr. Mugabe revealed that he received a salary of $12,000 a month. Recent reports say that salary has increased to approximately $19,000 a month.

Similarly, former first lady Grace also enjoys a pension and when Mr Mugabe dies, she can receive 60% of her husband's pension.

Mr Mugabe resigned on November 21 after a week of house arrest and pressure from the military. He only resigned when he realized it was the only way he could avoid impeachment and leave with dignity. Zimbabwe's new president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, is expected to be sworn in today.

He was Mr. Mugabe's deputy and was dismissed earlier this month because he was seen as an obstacle to Grace's ambition to succeed her husband. Mr. Mnangagwa returned home yesterday to prepare for the swearing-in ceremony. In Zimbabwe, he was welcomed as a hero after a week of political turmoil. Upon his return, Mr. Mnangagwa called for national unity and economic reconstruction. On the other hand, he also offered immunity from prosecution for Mr. Mugabe.

According to Dan Tri