Addressing a convention of the ruling Zanu-PF's women's league and youth members in Harare, Mugabe denied that his people and forces were no longer loyal.

He said those who were powerhungry in the party must be patient and that the future of leadership of the country would be decided by Zimbabweans.

Mugabe, 83, who has ruled Zimbabwe for 27 years since independence from Britain, is under increasing pressure to step down. Tensions are said to be rising in his party over his succession, which could topple him faster than street battles with a reinvigorated opposition.

Meanwhile Zimbabwe's vice president Joyce Mujuru and South Africa's deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka met on Friday in what was described as a private visit.