Online Reporter
Gibson Nyikadzino, [email protected]
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has proclaimed September 15 a public holiday to be known as Munhumutapa Day, following the publication of Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026 under the Public Holidays and Prohibition of Business Act (Chapter 10:21).
The proclamation was made in terms of Section 2(2) of the Act and formally gazetted through Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026.
“It is hereby declared that the 15th of September every year hence forth, shall be a public holiday to be known as Munhumutapa Day,” the notice reads.
Munhumutapa Day, which coincides with President Mnangagwa’s birthday, is intended to commemorate the legacy of the pre-colonial Mutapa Empire and its contribution to Zimbabwe’s history and identity.
A senior Government official yesterday confirmed the development to our Harare Bureau, saying the public holiday would celebrate Zimbabwe’s historical heritage and contemporary development aspirations.
“This day, which is now a public holiday, will be a celebration of the greatness of the Munhumutapa Empire, as an inspiring and influential kingdom whose spirit continues to nudge the nation to implement operational initiatives towards the attainment of the country’s Vision 2030 agenda.
This declaration is a celebration of both historical and present greatness,” the official said.
Under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, Zimbabwe has undertaken a number of development initiatives guided by the philosophy of “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe Lakhiwa Ngabanikazi Balo”, which promotes national ownership and participation in the country’s development agenda.
This year, more than 30 000 youths from across the country are expected to converge in Mvurwi, Mashonaland Central Province, on September 15 for the third Munhumutapa Day commemorations.
The 2026 edition will mark the first time the occasion is observed as a national public holiday.
