Sources that spoke to The Independent revealed that President Robert Mugabe will travel with a 70 member delegation to the United Nations (UN) summit scheduled for September 19 to 23. The list of those who will be travelling with Mugabe include family members; First Lady Grace Mugabe, their daughter Bona and grandson Simbanashe, Bellarmine Chatunga as well as Russell Goreraza, Grace’s eldest son.
Each person on the trip is likely to spend $15 000 during the 10 days they will be in the United States. A source who spoke to The Independent on condition of anonymity said:
Passports were submitted last week for visa applications at the US embassy, but officials queried the number of delegates and declined to offer a visa to one of the journalists from the state media. Mugabe’s entourage will be away for 10 days and government gives each member of the delegation US$1 500 per day. At a rate of US$1 500 per day which is paid to all the members of the delegation as per diems, this means each delegate will receive at least US$15 000 for the 10-day trip.
More: Independent