HARARE – Local authorities have been directed to buy copies of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s biography, A Life of Sacrifice, in what appears to be abuse of public funds.
A circular dated March 31, 2026, from John Basera, the secretary in the ministry of local government and public works instructs town clerks, secretaries and chief executive officers to “make the necessary arrangements” to procure the book for distribution in their communities including schools.
The letter says a revised and translated edition of the biography by Edmund Cross – first launched in 2021 – has been produced by publisher Jarach Media. The latest version is available in Shona, Ndebele and Tonga.
According to the ministry, the publisher is appealing for support from institutions and individuals, with copies priced at US$17 each, or US$15 for bulk orders of 100 or more.
“The biography provides a close insight into the life and journey of one of Zimbabwe’s illustrious sons,” Basera wrote, urging councils to acquire what he described as an “invaluable book.”
The directive effectively places pressure on cash-strapped local authorities, many already struggling to deliver basic services, to fund the purchase of the president’s biography.
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