President returns

Herald Reporters
PRESIDENT Mugabe returned home yester-day from Singapore where he had gone for medical review.
The Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces was welcomed at the Harare International Airport by Vice President John Nkomo, Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa, State Security Minister Sydney Sekeramayi, Media, Information and Publicity Minister Webster Shamu, service chiefs and senior Government officials.
Presidential spokesman Mr George Charamba said opticians in Singapore removed a cataract in the President’s eye during his annual leave and he had to fly back there for review.
President Mugabe returned home ahead of his birthday today and celebrations this weekend of the 21st February Movement, an organisation formed to impart values to the youths to emulate President Mugabe’s exemplary life.
Committees tasked to organise the 21st February Movement celebrations say they are finalising their preparations and everything will be ready for the main event in Harare at the weekend.
The 21st February Movement is a non-profit movement.
Addressing journalists at Zanu-PF’s party’s headquarters in Harare on Friday, party secretary for youth Cde Absolom Sikhosana said private media reports that they were begging for money were unfounded.
“As a party with the people at heart, we understand that a majority of us, including corporates, are still facing economic challenges and we cannot therefore compel people to donate to us against their will.
“We are only a week away and I want to thank and congratulate the various organising committees for a sterling job.
“We are almost ready and have covered the necessary groundwork for a thunderous celebration,” Cde Sikhosana said.
He said this year’s theme is “Youths for Indigenisation and Empowerment”.
“Zimbabweans have chosen economic independence as their next course of emancipation. Indigenous people of Zimbabwe should be economically empowered and independence is meaningless when your people are swimming in poverty,” he said.
Cde Sikhosana urged all Zimbabweans to participate and emulate President Mugabe’s leadership qualities despite political affiliation.
“I always view the MDC youths as prodigal sons who need to be corrected. They are Zimbabweans after all and should participate in the celebrations. This is not a Zanu-PF thing,” he said.