Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub
YOUTHS from across the country have been urged to converge in Zvishavane, Midlands Province, on Monday for the second edition of Munhumutapa Day.
The holiday, a brainchild of the Zanu-PF Youth League, was conceived to honour President Mnangagwa for embodying the spirit of the great Munhumutapa rulers and to celebrate youth empowerment.
The celebrations, which coincide with the President’s birthday, are seen as a platform to highlight the achievements of the Second Republic in empowering young people and to chart a new way forward towards Vision 2030.
The Government recently announced the addition of a new public holiday, Munhumutapa Day, which is set to be celebrated on September 15.
The announcement was made in terms of Section 2(1) of the Public Holidays and Prohibition of Business Act (Chapter 10:21) through General Notice 954 of 2024.
In an interview with Zimpapers, Zanu-PF Bulawayo Provincial Youth League chairperson Cde Freedom Murechu urged all youths to attend the event, saying the day will be a turning point for them.
“This is the day when we celebrate the achievements of the Second Republic in youth empowerment,” Cde Murechu said.
“It’s where we take a walk through all the empowerment programmes that were initiated by His Excellency, what has been achieved so far, what needs to be looked into, what needs to be improved and what also needs to be done in terms of youth empowerment.”
He said the concept of Munhumutapa Day was drawn from the great Munhumutapa and how he built his empire, and that President Mnangagwa’s development trajectory is similar to that of the ancient ruler.
“We believe that the way His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa is leading the Government, or his development trajectory, is similar to that of the Munhumutapa, hence we call him the second Munhumutapa,” said Cde Murechu.
“I believe that every youth who sets foot there, their life will never be the same again, because like I said before, it’s the road to youth empowerment,” he added.
Cde Murechu said the day, which is expected to draw over 30 000 people, mostly youths from all corners of Zimbabwe, will also be an opportunity to plan for the future.
“So, if we want this to be a success, all roads lead to Zvishavane. That’s all I can say for now. We have prepared everything necessary to make sure the event is a success.
“We have arranged for transportation from all provinces, food for the youth and entertainment for the gala after the event. It will be a fun fair, especially for the youth, where we are celebrating our President, the development happening in this country, and what we are going to achieve by 2030,” he said.
Cde Murechu underscored the youth’s role in achieving Vision 2030, which aims to create an upper-middle-income economy.
“We believe that the youth also have a role to play, and if they come there, we will share ideas and get wise words from His Excellency the President,” he said.
“It’s a vision that the President has put in place, but it cannot be achieved by him alone; it will be achieved by putting all hands on deck, with everyone playing their own role,” he said.
As part of the celebrations, the youth are organising sporting events nationwide aimed at combating drug and substance abuse.
The Zimbabwe National Sports Promotion for Economic Development is facilitating these activities to fight drug and substance abuse among the youth as a way to commemorate Munhumutapa Day.
The Zanu-PF National Youth League conceived Munhumutapa Day to be celebrated on September 15 every year, with the country’s 10 provinces hosting the event on a rotational basis.
The inaugural event was held in Masvingo, and this year’s celebrations will be in Zvishavane, Midlands Province.
