HARARE - Information minister Webster Shamu stunned an audience of musicians and journalists on Monday after saying if he had an option to choose his father before birth, he would have chosen President Robert Mugabe.

Shamu, who has in the past compared Mugabe to a popular milk brand, made the bizarre remarks at the official launch of the Harare International Carnival on Monday.

“We must always remember that there is no one here on earth who decides which family he wants to belong to before he or she is born,” Shamu began, breaking from his prepared speech.

“Kudai ndaibvunzwa kudenga kuti pawakuenda pasi apa saka woenda kupi? Chatunga ndaimutangira ini. Ndaiita nhamba hwani kuFirst House kwapresident Mugabe kuti ndo kwandinoda ikoko (If I was given the option to choose my father before birth, where would I go? I would have been Chatunga’s elder brother. I would have been number one at First House, at president Mugabe’s house. I would have said that’s where I want to be born).”

In 2011, Shamu — speaking at the launch of Zanu PF’s anti-sanctions campaign — said Mugabe had “Cremora, the whole body”. Cremora is a very popular powdered milk brand.

“There is no president the world over who has degrees like president Mugabe. He is brainy and that’s why he is feared. You fought the liberation struggle for a long time and you should also rule for as long as you want,” Shamu said.

The minister is not the first to embarrass himself fawning over Mugabe.

Mines minister Obert Mpofu has described himself as Mugabe’s “ever obedient son” and Tourism minister Walter Mzembi once shed tears after being given a gift of Mugabe’s portrait.

Mzembi explained: “I was overcome by emotion. At times I fail to explain to the ordinary person how it feels to serve under a first republican president. This is why I could not hold back my tears.”

Harare is hosting the inaugural carnival from May 21 through to May 26. — New Zimbabwe