Mnangangwa declared his birthday public holiday

ZIMBABWE’S President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared September 15, his birthday, an annual public holiday across the country — a move that has sparked widespread criticism and ridicule. The holiday, gazetted through Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026, has been officially named “Munhumutapa Day,” taking its name from the historic Mutapa Empire, a Shona kingdom that existed […]

ZIMBABWE’S President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared September 15, his birthday, an annual public holiday across the country — a move that has sparked widespread criticism and ridicule.

The holiday, gazetted through Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026, has been officially named “Munhumutapa Day,” taking its name from the historic Mutapa Empire, a Shona kingdom that existed from the 14th to 17th centuries.
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The government insisted that the holiday celebrates Zimbabwe’s pre-colonial heritage rather than the president’s birthday, but critics argue the timing is no coincidence.

Mnangagwa, 83 has ruled Zimbabwe for nine years since taking power in 2017 after the ouster of long-time leader Robert Mugabe.

The controversy comes just weeks after Mnangagwa signed into law a constitutional amendment extending presidential terms from five to seven years, pushing the next elections from 2028 to 2030.

The amendment also scrapped direct presidential elections, meaning Zimbabweans will now elect members of Parliament, who will then choose the country’s leader.

Kalemba, September 12, 2026
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