Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu
Zimbabwe is recognising the hard work, perseverance and sacrifices of its leaders and forefathers who contributed to building and developing the country through the declaration of September 15 as Munhumutapa Day, a new public holiday.
Speaking at Pricabe Farm yesterday, where President Mnangagwa hosted Cabinet ministers and traditional leaders, the Minister of, Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, said the proclamation of the public holiday was in recognition of the sacrifices made by the country’s forefathers.
President Mnangagwa last week proclaimed September 15 a public holiday, to be known as Munhumutapa Day, through Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026 under the Public Holidays and Prohibition of Business Act.
On Tuesday, more than 100 000 people are expected to attend the national Munhumutapa Day celebrations in Mvurwi.
Dr Masuka said the recognition also coincided with President Mnangagwa’s birthday, making it a befitting honour for the President.
“As a country, we have risen to the occasion to recognise our forebears,” he said.
He noted that Great Zimbabwe, built without mortar or steel, still stands today.
“That ingenuity, that perspicacity, that perseverance is what is being recognised through Munhumutapa Day on September 15.
“By coincidence, by mere coincidence, His Excellency the President happens to have been born on that day. We declared Munhumutapa Day because that is the inspiration of this country.
“And we draw inspiration from this leader, who is following in the footsteps of our ancestors. So, what better coincidence than to declare that day on his birthday?”
Pricabe Farm manager Mr Patrick Mnangagwa said the secret to the farm’s success was hard work and consistency.
“The biggest trick is the pressure we receive from the President, who is here every Sunday. That pressure then results in what we are witnessing today.”
He also applauded the partnerships the farm has established with farmers in surrounding areas, which have contributed to infrastructure development.
Mr Mnangagwa commended the Government for constructing artificial intelligence-enabled silos in Kwekwe, one of the country’s new and expanding silo hubs, saying the facilities had shortened harvesting and transportation times.
“We used to transport our grain to Chegutu. However, this time we reduced transportation time, thereby ensuring our winter wheat is planted on time.”
He also said President Mnangagwa was ensuring value addition for most of the crops grown at the farm.
Pricabe Farm sits on 405 hectares and produces crops including maize, wheat, barley, sugar beans and potatoes.
The farm is highly mechanised and employs about 50 permanent workers, while an additional 200 contract and seasonal workers from surrounding villages are engaged during peak farming periods.
