Former Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe's birthday declared public holiday

david nganga

November 27, 2017 3:49 PM

ZANU-PF Youth League has sought to have the day declared a holiday in recognition of Mugabe's efforts in empowering the youths.

Former President Robert Mugabes birthday, February 21, is now a public holiday after the Zimbabwean government gazetted it as Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day, the Herald newspaper reports.

Calls for former President Mugabe’s birthday to be made a national holiday were adopted by Government in August following intense lobbying by the ZANU-PF Youth League.

The day coincides with the 21st February Movement celebrations meant to commemorate the principles and ideals that former president Mugabe stood for.

The party youths pushed for the birthday to be declared a holiday in recognition of Mugabe's efforts in empowering the youths.

Mugabe resigned on Nov. 21 after military and public pressure, ending his 37 year stay in power. His former deputy, Emmerson Mnangagwa, was sworn in to replace him as president on Friday.

Speaking during his acceptance speech at his inauguration as the second Executive President of Zimbabwe on Friday last week, Mr Mnangagwa indicated that the former president needed to be accorded the respect and recognition he deserved as one of the founders and leaders of Zimbabwe.

"To me personally, he remains a father, mentor, comrade-in-arms and my leader," he said.

Mr Mnangagwa, long a close ally of Mr Mugabe, was sacked earlier this month, offsetting the political crisis that eventually saw the downfall of his boss.

david nganga