Goromonzi

From a vantage point among the dilapidated grass-thatched huts in the Yafele village, one could not help but marvel at the massive show of grandeur at the nearby Goromonzi High school. From chauffer-driven Mercedes Benz saloons to the latest SUVs from Japan, they were all part of the show of affluence that disturbed the tranquil environs of this rural setting.

Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party on Saturday proposed extending veteran President Robert Mugabe’s term by another two years, giving him a full three decades in power. The 82-year-old Mugabe had previously indicated he would retire when his term expired in 2008.

Robert Mugabe dodged speculation on Friday about an extension to his presidency in an address to Zimbabwe’s ruling party after warning potential successors there is no vacancy at the top. The 82-year-old, in power since Zimbabwe gained independence from Britain in 1980, instead used his annual speech to Zanu-PF delegates to lambaste the one-time colonial masters.