About a week or two ago, Pokello Nare, wife of Zimbabwe President Mnangagwa’s son and known for her extravagant lifestyle, took eleven friends on a flashy two-day trip to the luxury seaside town of Portofino, Italy. This getaway, playfully dubbed “Dolce Vita or Bust,” included riding a luxury Riva motorboat, shopping at high-end boutiques, and relaxing at exclusive beach resorts—leaving local shopkeepers wondering if a celebrity flash mob had invaded their town.
The visit was so eye-catching that Il Secolo XIX, a respected Italian newspaper from Genoa, felt it deserved detailed coverage. They followed the “glamour dozen” as they enjoyed the charms of Portofino, moving through beach resorts, fashion squares, and even nautical broker offices like royalty on vacation.
Back in Zimbabwe, reactions ranged from political outrage to disbelief. The opposition parties condemned the trip as “looting disguised as power,” highlighting the contrast between the family’s luxury and the hardships faced by many Zimbabweans. The ruling party appeared embarrassed, as if surprised the First Family was spending so openly while the country struggles.
Meanwhile, ordinary villagers expressed curiosity, probably wondering if their local celebrity and businesswoman had somehow entered a different world. Pokello’s Instagram was filled with glamorous photos—cocktails in the Piazzetta, praising the friendly locals, and celebrating her 40th birthday with undeniable sparkle.
One highlight was their stay at the famous Carillon Beach resort in Paraggi, where their spending may have helped keep the restaurant bustling. The group left behind plenty of money and unforgettable stories, showing that sometimes diplomacy can come with shopping bags and yachts.
A South African business leader summed it up bluntly: watching the First Family live in golden luxury while many Zimbabweans struggle is less about leadership and more “a masterclass in extravagant looting.” As this story develops, Portofino’s boutiques shine a little brighter, and Zimbabwe’s political drama grows even more intense.
source-Hopewell Chin’ono
