Online Reporter
Zimbabweans from across the country have converged in Zvishavane today for the second edition of Munhumutapa Day, a national event that coincides with President Mnangagwa’s 83rd birthday.
The day has become a symbol of unity, pride and collective support for President Mnangagwa’s leadership.
More than 30 000 people, particularly youths, have converged to celebrate the progress made under the Second Republic.
Munhumutapa Day is hosted on a rotational basis across provinces and was first held in Masvingo last year.
Stay tuned as our Reporter Zvamaida Murwira and Photographer Kuda Hunda bring you highlights and live updates from this momentous occasion!
Bumper crowd awaits the President’s arrival
Muzvondiwa Business Centre open grounds in Mapanzure, Zvishavane, have been turned into a sea of colour as thousands of people, mainly youths, are donning national colours to commemorate Munhumutapa Day.
The venue is a stone’s throw away from the President’s homestead.
President Mnangagwa is expected to address the gathering later this afternoon.
President arrives for Munhumutapa commemorations
President Mnangagwa has arrived at the venue of the Munhumutapa Day Commemorations in Mapanzure, Zvishavane.
He got a thunderous welcome from thousands of people who are gathered here for the mega celebrations.
A birthday to remember
President Mnangagwa gets on the dance floor before addressing delegates at Munhumutapa Day celebrations in Mapanzure,Zvishavane.
Youth League fully behind President Mnangagwa: Cde Machakaire
Zanu PF Secretary for the Youth League, Cde Tino Machakaure has said they are fully behind President Mnangagwa’s leadership.
Cde Machakaire outlined several developmental projects that have been steered by President Mnangagwa since he assumed office in 2017.
“Your Excellency, you have done great things for our country since 2017, particularly for the youths. You have drilled boreholes, we have had road projects, including the iconic Trabablas interchange,” he said.
Cde Machakaire said the Youth League will always emulate President Mnangagwa, whom he said is a source of inspiration.
“We are fully behind your leadership,” he said.
Cde Machakaure said the Zanu PF Youth League is united in everything it does and will remain so.
‘No limits for youth: President urges young people to seize economic opportunities”
The President is now on the podium to deliver his address.
He thanked the people who came in their numbers to celebrate Munhumutapa Day.
President Mnangagwa said the youths should be guided by the spirit of ubuntu and should join forces to fight today’s vices, chief among them drug abuse.
“Let us work together towards a Zimbabwe that reflects our priorities, that is development, innovation and modernity,” said President Mnangagwa.
“The young people of our beloved motherland should work hard, taking advantage of available youth fund support systems to grow our economy.
“They must take advantage of the opportunities and enter the value addition and beneficiation space. No sector or part of our society is out of bounds for you.”
He went on to call upon the youths to fight drug abuse.
“Drugs lead to the degradation of our national fabric. You must protect your minds and bodies from this vice,” he said.
He went on to commend the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, for fighting the scourge among the youths
“A healthy nation is a productive nation.”
Prize giving for race winners
President Mnangagwa is joined by Zanu PF Youth Secretary Cde Tino Machakaire and businessman Wicknell Chivhayo to hand over prizes to Munhumutapa Day Road Race winners.
President Mnangagwa, First Lady Auxilia Mnangagwa and Youth League Secretary Cde Tino Machakaire cut the birthday cake
this is good anyway
i dont see anything written Munhumutapa except story heading , the rest is politics . what was the purpose of gathering,was interested seeing the name of African Traditional King