[Omah]

http://www.timeslive.co.za/sundaytim...ser-scores-big

President Robert Mugabe has personally handed over a trust fund worth $300000 to losing Big Brother Africa All Stars finalist Munyaradzi Chidzonga.

The Zimbabwean contestant earned more than the winner, Nigerian Uti Nwachukwu, who took home $200000.

Mugabe's nephew, Philip Chiyangwa, and the chairman of the National Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Board, David Chapfika, started the fund to help Chidzonga fight the "trauma".

"The money will go a long way to showing Munya that Zimbabweans love winners. He was cheated and we are here for him," said Chiyangwa.

[Omah]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-11609963

Political analysts have criticised Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe for handing over $300,000 (about £191,000) to the runner-up of Big Brother Africa.

Analyst Takura Zhangazha told the BBC Mr Chidzonga's fame had been hijacked for political purposes.

Mr Zhangazha said it was all part of a Zanu-PF ploy to appeal to young middle-class voters, ahead of elections which could be as early as next year.

"They want to spin Munya's declared admiration of President Mugabe as evidence of the latter's reach to younger Zimbabweans," he said.

"They will use Munya as a mascot at rallies."

His loss has also been spun by Zanu-PF into the anti-sanctions debate, said Mr Zhangazha.

"It is being presented as some anti-Mugabe conspiracy by Mnet and the West."

[Omah]

It's a mad, mad world .....