PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe has thanked China for “protecting” his daughter, Bona, from harassment by British journalists after attending her graduation in Hong Kong on Tuesday.
Bona, 22, graduated with a degree in accounting from City University. It has been reported that her name was listed as Tracy Guvamombe on some university records to throw off journalists.
British reporters were assaulted by Zimbabwean bodyguards twice in 2009 after following Mugabe's wife, Grace, to a luxury villa in Hong Kong where Bona was staying during her studies. Hong Kong authorities took no action.
On Tuesday morning, Mugabe and his wife joined hundreds of other parents at the graduation.
Bona’s best friend, Nyaradzo Khimbini, also graduated with a business administration and human resources management degree. Her parents were also in attendance, the ZBC reported on Tuesday.
Mugabe described the best friends as “Siamese twins”.
The ZBC, which was the only broadcaster at the graduation ceremony, reports that Mugabe “praised his daughter for her determination to succeed, saying she has done the first family proud by achieving her degree.”
His wife, Grace, “praised her daughter for her discipline”.
Bona and Nyaradzo are said to be the first Zimbabwean students to study at City University.
Mugabe told university authorities that Zimbabwe would send more students there, according to the ZBC.
The first family's two sons, Robert Jnr and Chatunga, are also nearing university age and Mugabe's comments will heighten speculation that they are also headed for City University.
Mugabe is in China on a week-long official visit. He has been meeting potential investors and holds talks with Chinese government officials later this week.