Sally Mugabe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sally Mugabe
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Mugabe after a state visit to the United States in 1983
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| First Lady of Zimbabwe | |
| In role 31 December 1987 – 27 January 1992 |
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| President | Robert Mugabe |
| Preceded by | Janet Banana |
| Succeeded by | Grace Mugabe (1996) |
| 1st Secretary of the ZANU-PF Women’s league | |
| In office 1978–1981 |
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| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Joice Mujuru |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Sarah Francesca Hayfron
6 June 1931 Gold Coast (now Ghana) |
| Died | 27 January 1992 (aged 60) Harare, Zimbabwe |
| Cause of death | Kidney failure |
| Resting place | National Heroes Acre, Harare, Zimbabwe |
| Political party | ZANU-PF |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 1 |
| Occupation |
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Sarah Francesca "Sally" Mugabe (born Hayfron; 6 June 1931 – 27 January 1992) was a very important person in Zimbabwe. She was the first wife of Robert Mugabe, who was the country's former president. Sally Mugabe served as the First Lady of Zimbabwe from 1987 until she passed away in 1992. People in Zimbabwe lovingly called her Amai, which means "Mother" in their language.
Early Life and Education
Sally Mugabe was born Sarah Francesca Hayfron in 1931. Her birthplace was the Gold Coast, which is now known as Ghana. She had a twin sister named Esther. They grew up in a family that was involved in politics. This meant they were part of the movement to gain independence from colonial rule.
Sally went to Achimota School, a well-known school. After that, she studied at university and became a qualified teacher. She met her future husband, Robert Mugabe, in the Gold Coast. They were both teaching at Takoradi Teacher Training College. In April 1961, she moved with him to Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). They got married there in Salisbury.
Activism and Challenges
Sally was a trained teacher, but she was also a strong political activist. She worked hard to bring about change. As early as 1962, she helped African women speak out against the unfair rules in Southern Rhodesia. Because of her activism, she faced difficulties and was even put in prison for a short time.
In 1967, Sally went to live in London, England. She spent the next eight years working to free political prisoners in Rhodesia. Her husband, Robert Mugabe, was one of these prisoners. He had been arrested in 1964 and stayed in prison for ten years. Sadly, their only son, Nhamodzenyika, passed away from malaria in 1966 when he was very young. Robert Mugabe, who was still in prison, could not attend his son's funeral.
British officials tried to make her leave Britain in 1970. However, her husband asked the British Prime Minister for help. Many important people supported her, and she was allowed to stay in Britain.
When Robert Mugabe was released from prison in 1975, Sally joined him in Maputo, Mozambique. There, she became a mother figure to thousands of people who had to leave their homes because of the war. This is how she earned the popular title Amai (Mother).
Role as First Lady
In 1978, Sally was chosen as the Deputy Secretary for the Women's League of the ZANU-PF political party. In 1980, she took on a new and important role as the wife of Zimbabwe's first black Prime Minister. She officially became the First Lady of Zimbabwe in 1987. This happened when her husband became the country's second President. In 1989, she was elected Secretary General of the ZANU-PF Women's League.
Sally Mugabe also started the Zimbabwe Child Survival Movement. This group worked to help children survive and thrive. In 1986, she launched the Zimbabwe Women's Cooperative in the UK. She also supported Akina Mama wa Afrika. This was an organization in London that focused on helping African women with development and women's issues.
Death and Legacy
Sally Mugabe passed away on 27 January 1992. She died from kidney failure. After her death, she was buried at the National Heroes Acre in Harare, Zimbabwe. This is a special place where national heroes are laid to rest.
In 2002, ten years after she died, Zimbabwe released a set of postage stamps to remember her. Sally Mugabe is still remembered with great love and respect. Many people see her as a founding mother of the nation of Zimbabwe.
