In recent months Grace Mugabe has moved dramatically away from her largely ceremonial role. Previously she appeared as mother to Mugabe's children and his travelling companion. Her overseas shopping sprees earned her the nickname "Gucci Grace".
Seemingly out of nowhere, she embarked on an ambitious political career, holding rallies in each of Zimbabwe's 10 provinces, while ranting at beleaguered Vice-President Joice Mujuru and her supporters.
Grace Mugabe was hailed during the Zanu-PF congress last week as "The Lady of the Revelation" or "Amazing Grace" for having "saved" Zimbabwe from an apparent Western-backed conspiracy led by Mujuru.
She was praised for having revealed an alleged plot by Mujuru and her supporters to assassinate Mugabe, despite presenting no evidence.
Mujuru was sacked from her position in Zanu-PF following months of aggressive campaigning by the first lady, accompanied by accusations carried in Zimbabwe's state media.
Mujuru, who had previously been considered a leading contender to succeed Mugabe, has also been accused of conjuring an anti-Zanu-PF deal with the opposition Movement for Democratic Change.
Mugabe was confirmed as the only candidate for the party presidency, and as presidential candidate for the 2018 elections, when he will be 94.
It is believed Grace Mugabe sought the politburo role to protect her husband's position as President, allowing him to stay in power for the rest of his life. Information gleaned through the position will also help Grace Mugabe keep an eye on the family's assets.
While some observers have touted Grace Mugabe as a potential vice-president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, a Zanu-PF strongman, is widely considered to be the leading candidate. There was massive vocal support from delegates for Mnangagwa, a 72-year-old struggle veteran and Minister of Justice.
Grace Mugabe is thought to have formed an alliance with Mnangagwa, who is also a front-runner to eventually succeed the President.
Rugare Gumbo, the former Zanu-PF spokesman expelled from the party last week, warned that Grace Mugabe, a former typist, had neither the education nor wisdom to hold a leadership role within the party, never mind the country.
"If you hear her speaking in our language, Shona, she sounds like an old, rural, peasant woman. She can't be a national leader," he said.
Gumbo was accused alongside Mujuru of being part of the "plot" to "assassinate" Mugabe.
While Grace Mugabe is cheered by Zanu-PF party members, she has struggled to find favour with ordinary Zimbabweans. "We all hate Grace, we hate her more than we hate the old man," said a Harare vendor.
Grace Mugabe
Grace Mugabe met her future husband when she was a married typist with a young child at Zimbabwe's state house. Her image now is of a philanthropist, managing an orphanage while running a large dairy farm. Her political rise has been accompanied by sudden academic qualifications. In September she was awarded a doctorate in sociology from the University of Zimbabwe after three months' study. She was capped by her husband, the university chancellor.
