Grace Mugabe In Trouble Over Mazowe Orphanage Farm

By Staff Reporter
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25505
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October 07, 2019

FORMER First Lady Grace Mugabe’s empire is teetering on the brink of collapse following reports that she will be stripped off powers to the US$7 million Mazowe Orphanage project that she had usurped,” Zim Morning Post can reveal.

This publication understands that the orphanage is under the government’s microscope, on basis that the project was a donation to the Zimbabwean government funded by a Chinese grant.

Grace, however turned the project into a personal investment contrary to the clauses of the government to government agreement.

According to the agreement, she was supposed to be the patron, not the owner of the orphanage.

Zim Morning Post can authoritatively report that the project which now houses the Grace Mugabe state-of-the-art junior and secondary schools was funded by the Chinese government under project Identification number 19993 in 2008 and the recipient, according to the grant proposal seen by the Zim Morning Post, is the Zimbabwean government specifically the First Lady’s office.

The school was built on a 7 720 square metre plot and it was supposed to house at least 900 orphans and the less privileged but Grace turned into a private school for high profile people children who were now paying fees at a premium.

According to the documents seen by Zim Morning Post, the grant was meant to assist the government, while Grace Mugabe Foundation was roped in as an implementing partner.

“This project is the same project with the Defence College of Zimbabwe where the National Army was brought in this deal as an implementing partner and after its completion it was handed over to Government that is what Grace was supposed to do,” revealed a source close to the Government.

According to the documents gleaned by this publication, Grace Mugabe Foundation was supposed to partner Anhui Foreign Economic Construction CO.Ltd (AFECC), State owned Company in China.

Government has however distanced itself to reports that it is investigating the matter.

Deputy Information minister Energy Mutodi said the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commision (ZACC) was the responsible body to deal with Grace , should she be found to be a person of interest in the Mazowe Orphanage matter.

“This is just grapevine, the executive does not investigate anyone rather this is done by the police and the anti-corruption commission“ It is from these institutions that you can get an indication if an investigation has been opened against Grace Mugabe.“Government is not a law unto itself. The law operates separately through institutions mandated to administer it,” Mutodi told Zim Morning Post on Monday.

Zim Morning Post also understands that staffers at her Mazowe campus are leaving en -masse because of lack of incentives they used to enjoy during Grace’s era.Grace allegedly abused her powers as First Lady and was granted a loan from CBZ bank without collateral putting her on the top of the list of bad debtors with a debt of US$4.5 million.

CBZ had to engage Biti and Associates to institute litigation with view of recovering the money.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is on record saying that Grace’s assets will be safe but legality issues are likely to affect this pledge.

It is also not clear which properties are registered in Grace or her late husband ’s name but indications are that it is certain that the bullet holes riddled Highfield house is one of the few properties registered in the late Robert Mugabe’s name.

News On Farm:
Mazowe, At one of Robert Mugabe’s farms, workers said they are pained by the death of their boss and worried about their future — and some say they are hoping his feisty wife will be their savior.

The rolling, rich land of Mazowe, about 25 miles north of the capital, Harare, used to be owned exclusively by white farmers. But when Mugabe implemented his land seizures, he and his wife took several of the choice farms in this area.

At sunset, workers trudged home after a day of harvesting maize seed.

“We never met him (Mugabe) but he took good care of us,” said Monica Tamanikwa, walking with her 3-year-old daughter. She said workers on Mugabe’s farms were always paid on time and at times in cash, unlike workers at other properties. “If we run out of food, we just go to the farm to ask and we get it.”

Shaking her head in disbelief, she said: “I still can’t believe he is dead.”

Mugabe, an ex-guerrilla chief who took power in 1980 and ruled for decades, taking the country from prosperity to economic decline, died Friday at a hospital in Singapore at the age of 95. His body is expected to arrive back in Zimbabwe on Wednesday and will lie in state in the capital before burial on Sunday. The site of the burial has not been officially announced.

As Mugabe’s death is met with mixed feelings in Zimbabwe and across the globe, at the farm compound, the workers express anxiety.

In a country with high unemployment — largely blamed on economic mismanagement by Mugabe and his successor — the farmworkers are worried about their future.

Many are pinning their hopes on Mugabe’s wife, Grace, “to run the farm and have a good heart like the old man,” said Eremiah Muyepa, a farmworker.
“I have been managing to send my children to school because we are always paid on time. We don’t know whether Amai (Mrs.) Mugabe will continue, or maybe she will just abandon us,” said the 30-year-old father of three.

Grace Mugabe has been out of the limelight since her husband lost power in November 2017. Her aspirations to succeed her husband are blamed for his ouster, when former ally Emmerson Mnangagwa and generals moved against him.

A former secretary in Mugabe’s office, she rose to prominence after news broke that she had a child with Mugabe while his first wife, Sally, was ailing. Mugabe subsequently said his first wife, who died from kidney failure in 1992, knew and approved of his liaison with Grace since she could provide the president with children. Grace, more than 40 years younger than Mugabe, had three children with the president.

After a Catholic wedding in 1996, Grace Mugabe made headlines for shopping sprees in Europe and Asia, a fiery temper and the acquisition of huge tracts of land under Mugabe’s controversial land reform program.

Like her husband, Grace had a knack for giving speeches marked by inflammatory language and declaring that Mugabe would “rule from the grave.” She specifically targeted Mugabe’s then-deputy, Mnangagwa.

“I am a wife of the president. Who is Mnangagwa on this Earth? Who is he? … What do I get from him?” she barked at a political rally, denying reports that she had poisoned Mnangagwa with ice cream from her dairy weeks before Mnangagwa was fired as vice president and fled the country.

Mnangagwa returned to Zimbabwe to become president with the help of the military, which forced Mugabe to resign.

In a country where the government enjoys vast powers over farm ownership, Grace Mugabe will need Mnangagwa’s magnanimity to keep the land. Some say Mugabe’s legacy may fail to protect her.

“In politics, unlike in religion, the dead do not protect the living,” said Alexander Rusero, a Harare-based political analyst
“It will be about what she says, what she does in the post-Mugabe era. For as long as her actions and moves do not upset or threaten power, she will absolutely be safe,” said Rusero. “So far she has managed to keep a low profile, which is good for her.”

The family’s wealth is not publicly known and Mugabe in the past denied stashing money outside the country. They own more than a dozen farms, mainly taken from white farmers.

On one of the farms, the family established a dairy that produces milk, yogurt and chocolate. On Monday, workers in the sales office basked in the sun because of a lack of customers. Hundreds of dairy cows graze in the pastures about a mile away.

Some workers said they hope Mugabe’s widow will improve their living conditions — if she holds on to the property.

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Life Insurance Quotes for Families

Life Insurance Quotes: Protecting Your Family

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Conclusion

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Structured Settlement vs Lump Sum: Which Is Better?

Winning or settling a lawsuit can bring financial relief, especially after a serious injury, accident, medical claim, workplace incident, or wrongful death case. But after a settlement is reached, many people face an important question:

Should you take the money as a lump sum or as a structured settlement?

A lump sum gives you the full settlement amount at once. A structured settlement pays the money over time through scheduled payments.

Both options can be useful, but the best choice depends on your financial needs, medical condition, spending habits, taxes, family responsibilities, debt, age, and long-term goals.

Choosing the wrong option can create serious problems. Some people take a large lump sum and spend it too quickly. Others choose structured payments and later wish they had more flexibility.

This guide explains how structured settlements and lump sum payments work, the pros and cons of each, and what to consider before making a decision.

What Is a Lump Sum Settlement?

A lump sum settlement is a one-time payment. Instead of receiving money over months or years, you receive the settlement funds at once.

Example:

If your settlement is $500,000, a lump sum option may pay the full amount after legal fees, medical liens, case expenses, and other deductions.

A lump sum can be useful when you need immediate access to money for major expenses such as:

Medical bills
Debt payoff
Home modifications
Vehicle replacement
Lost income
Business investment
Family support
Mortgage payoff
Emergency savings
Long-term investment planning

The main benefit is control. You decide how to use, save, invest, or spend the money.

What Is a Structured Settlement?

A structured settlement pays settlement money over time instead of all at once.

Payments may be made monthly, yearly, or on another schedule. The structure is usually funded through an annuity from an insurance company.

A structured settlement may include:

Monthly payments for a set number of years
Payments for life
Larger payments at certain future dates
Future medical expense payments
Education payments
Retirement-style payments
A partial upfront payment plus scheduled future payments

Example:

Instead of receiving $500,000 at once, you may receive $3,000 per month for several years, plus larger payments every few years.

Structured settlements are common in personal injury cases involving long-term care, minors, disability, or serious medical needs.

Key Difference Between Structured Settlement and Lump Sum

The biggest difference is timing and control.

A lump sum gives you immediate access to settlement money.

A structured settlement spreads payments over time.

A lump sum offers flexibility. A structured settlement offers stability.

The right choice depends on whether you need immediate control or long-term financial security.

Benefits of a Lump Sum Settlement

A lump sum settlement can be attractive because it gives you full access to your money right away.

1. Immediate Access to Cash

If you have urgent financial needs, a lump sum may help quickly.

You can use the money to pay:

Hospital bills
Surgery costs
Credit card debt
Mortgage arrears
Car loans
Home repairs
Legal expenses
Family obligations

Immediate cash can reduce stress and help you regain control.

2. Ability to Pay Off Debt

If you have high-interest debt, a lump sum may allow you to eliminate it.

Paying off credit cards, payday loans, medical bills, or personal loans can improve monthly cash flow.

However, you should be careful. Paying off debt only helps if you avoid creating new debt afterward.

3. Investment Flexibility

A lump sum can be invested in a diversified portfolio, retirement account, business, real estate, or other financial plan.

If managed wisely, a lump sum may grow over time.

But investing also creates risk. Poor investment decisions can reduce or eliminate settlement funds.

4. Control Over the Money

With a lump sum, you are not locked into a payment schedule. You can adjust based on changing needs.

This may be important if your medical condition, family situation, or living expenses change unexpectedly.

5. Ability to Make Large Purchases

Some settlement recipients need major purchases or modifications.

Examples:

Wheelchair-accessible home renovation
Medical equipment
Reliable vehicle
Moving expenses
Home purchase
Caregiver support
Specialized treatment

A structured settlement may not provide enough upfront cash for these needs unless it is designed to include a large initial payment.

Risks of a Lump Sum Settlement

A lump sum can be powerful, but it can also be dangerous if not managed carefully.

1. Spending Too Quickly

Many people underestimate how long settlement money needs to last. A large amount can disappear quickly through:

Debt repayment
Family requests
Impulse spending
Bad investments
Lifestyle upgrades
Medical bills
Taxes
Business losses

Without a plan, a lump sum may run out faster than expected.

2. Pressure From Family and Friends

When people know you received a settlement, they may ask for loans, gifts, or help.

This can create emotional pressure and financial stress.

Structured settlements can reduce this pressure because money arrives gradually.

3. Investment Risk

Investing a lump sum may lead to growth, but it can also lead to losses.

Risky investments, scams, speculative crypto, bad real estate deals, or poorly managed businesses can destroy settlement money.

4. Lack of Guaranteed Income

Once a lump sum is gone, there may be no more payments.

This is especially risky for injured people who cannot return to work or need lifelong care.

Benefits of a Structured Settlement

A structured settlement can provide long-term financial stability.

1. Predictable Income

Structured payments create regular income. This can help cover:

Rent or mortgage
Utilities
Food
Medical expenses
Transportation
Caregiver costs
Insurance
Daily living expenses

Predictable income can reduce financial anxiety.

2. Protection From Overspending

Because money is paid over time, it is harder to spend the entire settlement quickly.

This can be helpful for people who are worried about budgeting, financial discipline, or pressure from others.

3. Long-Term Security

A structured settlement can be designed to support future needs. Payments can last for years or even for life.

This is especially useful for people with permanent injuries, disabilities, or ongoing medical needs.

4. Tax Advantages

In many personal injury cases, structured settlement payments related to physical injury or sickness may have favorable tax treatment. Tax rules can be complicated, so recipients should consult a qualified tax professional.

5. Custom Payment Design

Structured settlements can be customized.

For example, a settlement may include:

Monthly income
Annual lump payments
College payments for a child
Future surgery payments
Retirement-age payments
Higher payments during expected medical need periods

This can make the settlement more useful over time.

Risks of a Structured Settlement

Structured settlements also have disadvantages.

1. Less Flexibility

Once the structure is set, it may be difficult or impossible to change.

If you later need a large amount of cash, monthly payments may not be enough.

2. Inflation Risk

A fixed monthly payment may lose buying power over time if inflation rises.

For example, $3,000 per month may cover expenses today but may feel much smaller 15 years later.

Some structures can include increasing payments, but not all do.

3. Limited Investment Control

With a structured settlement, you do not control the full settlement amount. The funds are usually placed into an annuity.

This may be safer, but it limits your ability to invest aggressively or use money for opportunities.

4. Selling Payments Can Be Expensive

Some companies buy structured settlement payments for cash. However, selling future payments often means accepting less than their full value.

Court approval may be required, and fees or discounts can be significant.

Selling structured settlement payments should be considered carefully.

Lump Sum vs Structured Settlement: Which Is Better?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer.

A lump sum may be better if:

You have major immediate expenses
You are financially disciplined
You have a trusted financial advisor
You want investment control
You need to pay off expensive debt
You want to buy or modify a home
You have a strong plan for the money

A structured settlement may be better if:

You need long-term income
You have ongoing medical needs
You worry about overspending
You are receiving money for a minor child
You cannot return to work
You want predictable payments
You want protection from financial pressure

Some people choose a combination of both.

Hybrid Option: Part Lump Sum and Part Structured Settlement

Many settlements can be designed with both options.

For example:

$150,000 upfront
$3,000 per month for 10 years
$50,000 future payment for medical care
$100,000 payment at retirement age

A hybrid plan can provide immediate cash while preserving long-term income.

This is often the best approach for people who need money now but also want future protection.

Important Questions Before Choosing

Before deciding between a lump sum and structured settlement, ask:

How much money do I need immediately?
Do I have unpaid medical bills?
Will I need future treatment?
Can I return to work?
Do I have high-interest debt?
Am I good at budgeting?
Do I have trusted financial guidance?
Will family pressure be a problem?
How long does the money need to last?
What are the tax consequences?
Will inflation affect my future needs?
Do I need income for life?
Should I choose a hybrid option?

These questions can help avoid costly mistakes.

Final Thoughts

A structured settlement and a lump sum settlement can both be valuable, but they serve different purposes.

A lump sum gives control, flexibility, and immediate access to cash. It can help pay large expenses, eliminate debt, or create investment opportunities. But it also comes with the risk of overspending, poor investments, and running out of money.

A structured settlement provides steady payments, long-term security, and protection from spending too quickly. It can be ideal for serious injury cases, disability, minors, and long-term medical needs. But it offers less flexibility if circumstances change.

For many people, the best solution is a hybrid settlement that includes both upfront cash and future payments.

Before choosing, speak with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, and tax professional. The decision can affect your financial future for many years.

FAQ

What is the difference between a structured settlement and a lump sum?

A lump sum pays settlement money all at once. A structured settlement pays the money over time through scheduled payments.

Is a structured settlement better than a lump sum?

It depends on your needs. Structured settlements offer long-term income, while lump sums offer flexibility and immediate control.

Can I get both a lump sum and structured payments?

Yes. Many settlements can be designed with an upfront payment plus scheduled future payments.

Are structured settlement payments taxable?

In many personal injury cases, payments related to physical injury may have favorable tax treatment, but tax rules vary. Speak with a tax professional.

Can I sell my structured settlement payments?

You may be able to sell future payments, but the sale may require court approval and you may receive less than the full value.

Who should consider a structured settlement?

People with long-term medical needs, disability, limited work ability, or concerns about overspending may benefit from structured payments.

Who should consider a lump sum?

People with immediate expenses, strong financial discipline, and a clear investment or debt payoff plan may prefer a lump sum.

What is the safest option?

The safest option depends on your situation. A hybrid settlement often balances immediate needs with long-term security