Mugabe told Zanu PF supporters at the birthday party organised by the communist style 21st February Movement that he wants government to also take over South African owned mining giant Zimplats accusing it of externalising profits.
“Nestle refused to buy milk from Gushungo dairies,” he told a crowd of about 6 000 Zanu PF supporters.
“I told (Youth Development, Indeginisation and Empowerment minister Saviour) Kasukuwere to begin with them and tell them he was sent by Gushungo.
“We should deal with them; let them get out of the country.”
In 2009, Nestle bowed to international pressure and stopped buying milk from Gushungo Holdings, a company owned by the Mugabe family.
This led to major fallout between the government which accused the Swiss based company of applying sanctions on Mugabe’s family.
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Government to take over Zimplats
Mugabe’s threat to also grab Zimplats is likely to unnerve jittery investors who are already having sleepless nights over the country’s unpredictable indeginisation policies.
Zimplats is a member of the Impala Group of Companies. Impala holds 87% of Zimplats shares and is one the country’s biggest employers.“Zimplats has never given us any substantial money,” Mugabe said.
“They are taking all the money to South Africa that’s why I have told Kasukuwere to deal with those mines.
“We have got to get companies to account,” Mugabe said amid wild cheers.
He said Zanu PF was also pushing ahead with plans to seize all companies whose owners were from the European Union and the United States.
On Tuesday the party would launch its two million signatures campaign as it intensifies its rhetoric against Western sanctions.
Mugabe also repeated his threats that elections would be held this year with or without a new constitution.
He accused the Finance Minister Tendai Biti of delaying preparations for elections by refusing to release money.
“We would want to get to elections as soon as possible,” he said. “If others are to drag we will get out of the agreement.
“Biti says there is no money, the money there is only to pay credits so that we could be given money. We have money in the country.”
Mugabe turned 87 on Monday but he usually uses the big lavish birthday parties organised days later to attack his perceived enemies.
Wearing a red neck scarf of the 21st Movement, the veteran ruler looked fit and sharp, putting to rest that his recent health problems had taken their toll on him.
He cut three giant cakes, one resembling a Zimbabwe flag and another depicting the Great Zimbabwe monument.
Mugabe who has been in power since 1980 said although he was now old he still had political ideas of a young man.
“87 is only 8 plus 7. I want to remain with you. My body may get spent but I wish my mind will always be with you,” he said.
The birthday parties have always been criticised for their extravagance and are often boycotted by Mugabe’s opponents.
