“She Knew All The Orphans By Name”: Tawanda Nyambirai Pays Tribute To Grace Mugabe

Tawanda Nyambirai’s Emotional Tribute To Grace Mugabe Goes Viral

Prominent businessman and lawyer Tawanda Nyambirai has paid tribute to former First Lady Grace Mugabe, calling her “a great mother, a friend and an inspiration.”

The well-known entrepreneur made the remarks on Sunday, 18 May 2025, via a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), triggering a mixed response from followers.

“To me she was a great mother, a friend and an inspiration,” Nyambirai wrote.
“She knew all the orphans in her home by name. She put a stop to all the harassment and persecution I had needlessly suffered. I would like to acknowledge and celebrate her.”

The post quickly gathered attention, attracting more than 47,000 views within hours.

Responses pour in

Nyambirai’s heartfelt tribute sparked debate online. While some agreed with his sentiments, others strongly disagreed—pointing to the controversial aspects of Grace Mugabe’s past.

One user, Joey, responded:

“She is no saint, I know that because I have relatives that lived in the Manzou area in Mazowe that she displaced in the middle of the rainy season, cold and wet… Vile woman!”

Nyambirai replied politely:

“I am sorry to hear that.”

Another user, @NMatemai, commented:

“Makakomborera zvenyu… Unfortunately some who walk in these streets were victims of her hawk side and might take offense.”

To this, Nyambirai acknowledged the differing experiences:

“I would understand those who will take offense. No offense is intended from me. I sincerely mean to appreciate someone who showed me kindness when I needed it.”

Clarifications and reflections

There was also confusion over whether Grace Mugabe was still alive. One user posted “MHSRIP”, prompting Nyambirai to correct them:

“Oh no! She is very much alive. I used wrong language.”

Others questioned Nyambirai’s political loyalties. One user, @KMarazanye, asked if he had supported Grace when she publicly criticised President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Nyambirai responded:

“I had known ED for a long time and she knew ED was like a father to me. I never made a secret of it then and now. Drop your sarcasm.”

“A polarising figure”

The discussion laid bare the polarising nature of Grace Mugabe’s legacy. Some described her as caring and generous. Others recalled displacement, insults, and power struggles.

@PetersonTengen2 wrote:

“Dr. Grace Mugabe is a great person whose love for the disadvantaged speaks for itself. Her legacy is enduring.”

Nyambirai responded warmly:

“Hi Peterson. I hope your kids are well.”

But critics didn’t hold back. One user wrote:

“This woman was/is crass, vile, cruel, greedy, and extremely stupid.”

Nyambirai didn’t shy away from engaging critics, telling one:

“I feel so sorry for you. May the Lord have mercy on those like you who choose to be blind!”

A tribute that sparked a national conversation

Whether one agrees or disagrees, Tawanda Nyambirai’s post served as a powerful reminder of how complex and layered public figures can be. His personal story of gratitude opened a floodgate of emotion, memory, and opinion.

What do you think—was his tribute a sign of personal loyalty or selective memory?

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The post “She Knew All The Orphans By Name”: Tawanda Nyambirai Pays Tribute To Grace Mugabe appeared first on iHarare News.