At a quick glance, Robert Mugabe appeared to be sporting a new hairstyle and even a pair of earrings when he arrived into South Africa for a state visit today.

However, upon closer inspection, it was apparent that the photograph emerged after a bit of camera trickery, and the longer hairdo and dangly earrings did in fact belong to a woman stood directly behind him.

The comical image emerged amid claims the president of Zimbabwe is lining up his 24-year-old daughter to succeed him.

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At a glance, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe appeared to be sporting a new hairstyle and even a pair of earrings when he arrived into South Africa for a state visit today, but it was in fact just a cleverly taken shot

It is not the first time an amusing image of the 91-year-old dictator has surfaced, with one of him falling down podium steps becoming an internet sensation earlier this year.

The photo, which showed the president taking a tumble after addressing supporters at Harare Airport, was turned into numerous memes showing him in imagined circumstances, such as part of Beyonce's Single Ladies choreography, surfing or running from security forces.

However, Mugabe failed to see the funny side and reportedly had no fewer than 27 bodyguards suspended for failing to stop his embarrassing fall.

Mugabe arrived into Pretoria, South Africa today for a three-day state visit to the country amid ongoing speculation that his daughter will assume the position of president after him.

He had originally planned for his wife Grace to replace him but, due to her deteriorating health, Mugabe is now said to be keen for his daughter Bona to step up.

Last year, Mugabe promoted his wife to a senior position within his ruling ZANU-PF party where she led a vicious campaign to remove former vice-president Joice Mujuru from office.

Mujuru was long considered a likely successor to Mugabe but she fell out with the veteran leader late last year and was sacked as vice-president in December.

It is not the first time an amusing image of the 91-year-old dictator has emerged, with one of him falling down podium steps outside Zimbabwe's Harare Airport (pictured) becoming an internet sensation earlier this year

The photograph, which showed the president taking a fall, was turned into numerous memes, including one which super-imposed him onto Kim Kardashian's iconic 'Break the Internet' cover for Paper Magazine

Other memes which quickly circulated online showed Mugabe taking part in Athletics alongside Usain Bolt

Mugabe reportedly had no fewer than 27 bodyguards suspended for failing to stop his embarrassing fall

Last week, the ruling ZANU-PF party expelled Mujuru altogether for allegedly plotting against the president.

The 59-year-old was accused of 'plotting to unconstitutionally remove President Robert Mugabe from office', according to a statement from Simon Khaya-Moyo, spokesman for the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front.

She was also accused of 'orchestrating factionalism in the party thereby causing acrimonious divisions' and 'engaging in activities that smack of corruption'.

Her allies in government were also fired and expelled from ZANU-PF after Mugabe himself accused her of plotting to oust him.

It left experts believing his wife may follow in his footsteps but the 49-year-old has fallen severely ill in recent months and has been taking regular trips to Singapore for medical treatment.

In her absence, his daughter Bona has now taken a more prominent role at the Zimbabwean president's side at official events and trips.

It is claimed that president Robert Mugabe (centre) wants his 24-year-old daughter Bona (left) to succeed him

Last month, photographs emerged showing her with Mugabe - who is also in poor health - as part of a state delegation that held talks with Japan's prime minister.

The move sparked furious criticism from opposition parties and political analysts but a ZANU-PF spokesman insisted the move was not politically motivated.

In an interview with Nehanda Radio, Psychology Mazivisa said: 'Madam Bona Mugabe has not done anything nearly as much.

'We refuse to buy into the narrative that for as long as it's President Mugabe doing it, no matter how perfectly lawful it is, it's wrong... It's a barbaric way of doing politics.'