Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially declared September 15th, his birthday, as an annual public holiday to be known as “Munhumutapa Day.” The move, gazetted through Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026, has drawn widespread criticism and ridicule across the nation.
The newly established holiday takes its name from the historic Mutapa Empire, a significant Shona kingdom. President Mnangagwa, 83, has been in power for nine years, having taken over in 2017 following the ouster of long-time leader Robert Mugabe.
This declaration comes just weeks after President Mnangagwa signed a constitutional amendment extending presidential terms from five to seven years, effectively pushing the next elections from 2028 to 2030, further fueling public debate and concerns regarding governance in the Southern African nation.
Key Players Involved
- President Emmerson Mnangagwa: Declared his birthday a public holiday.
- Zimbabwean Public: Expressed widespread criticism and ridicule over the decision.
Event Timeline
- September 11, 2026: Announcement of the new “Munhumutapa Day” public holiday.
- Weeks Prior: President Mnangagwa signed a constitutional amendment extending presidential terms.
