By Stephen Chadenga
As the curtains came down yesterday, with the nation commemorating the birthday of liberation struggle icon, His Excellency Cde ED Mnangagwa, and Munhumutapa Day in Mvurwi, Mashonaland Central, Gweru miner, businessman and philanthropist Cde Charles Simbi, popularly known as Cde Drosky, (pictured) threw his weight behind the proclamation of the holiday.
He said the holiday not only portrays the country’s history and heritage but also recognises the selfless contribution of Cde Mnangagwa towards political and economic independence.
“Munhumutapa Day and Cde ED Mnangagwa resonate well with the principles of an independent, sovereign and politico-socio-culturally correct nation,” Cde Simbi said.
This year’s celebrations, which coincided with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 84th birthday, brought together thousands of youths and elders alike to celebrate the heritage of the Mutapa Empire, a pre-colonial state renowned for controlling and benefiting from its vast mineral wealth and trade routes.
A Zanu PF patriot and Midlander, Cde Simbi said Munhumutapa Day should remind Zimbabweans, especially youths, of the need to safeguard both political and economic independence.
“Cde Dr Mnangagwa is an embodiment of the youth spirit required in Zimbabwe to drive economic and political patriotism as well as national pride, and we should observe Munhumutapa Day with the utmost pride,” Cde Simbi said.
Munhumutapa Day was gazetted as a new annual public holiday under Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026. Government says the holiday is meant to celebrate the country’s pre-colonial heritage and link it to Vision 2030.