Zimbabwe has declared September 15 a public holiday to commemorate the history of the pre-colonial Mutapa Kingdom, with the day to be known as Munhumutapa Day.
The decision was announced through a government notice published in the country’s official gazette, which provides that September 15 will be observed as a public holiday every year. This year will mark the first official celebration of the day.
Although Munhumutapa Day falls on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s birthday, the government says the holiday is intended to commemorate the history and legacy of the Mutapa Kingdom, which existed before colonial rule. The government notice does not explain why September 15 was chosen for the commemoration.
President Mnangagwa will turn 84 on September 15. The Mutapa Kingdom, from which the name Munhumutapa is derived, existed between the 14th and 17th centuries.
The declaration comes after Mnangagwa signed constitutional amendments extending the presidential term from five to seven years. The changes could allow his current term, which was initially expected to end in 2028, to run until 2030.
The amendments also removed the direct election of the president by voters, instead giving members of Parliament the authority to elect the head of state.
Mnangagwa came to power in 2017 following the resignation of longtime President Robert Mugabe.
KIGALI TIMES