Zimbabwe has declared September 15 as an annual public holiday to honor President Emmerson Mnangagwa's birthday. This new holiday, named “Munhumutapa Day,” was introduced through Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026, with local media reporting that the official notice was published on Wednesday.
The holiday will be observed in recognition of Zimbabwe’s pre-colonial heritage, taking its name from the Munhumutapa title used by rulers of the historic Mutapa Empire, a powerful Shona kingdom that existed between the 14th and 17th centuries. The government has not provided an explanation for selecting September 15 for this annual celebration.
The timing of the holiday has raised eyebrows, as Mnangagwa is expected to turn 84 on the day Zimbabwe will celebrate its historical heritage. This coincidence has sparked discussions about the implications of the holiday.
Adding to the political discourse, Mnangagwa hinted that he could remain in power well beyond 2030. Speaking on Thursday, he reportedly told his audience, “I will still be around; I do not know about you.” This statement is particularly notable given that his current term is set to end in 2030, following constitutional changes passed earlier this year.
In July, Mnangagwa signed a constitutional amendment extending presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years, effectively moving the next presidential election timeline from 2028 to 2030. These changes have drawn criticism from opponents and civil society groups, especially since Mnangagwa has previously portrayed himself as a constitutionalist committed to term limits.
The reforms extend beyond just the election cycle; Zimbabwe has also eliminated the direct election of the President. Under the new system, voters will elect Members of Parliament, who will then choose the country’s President. Critics argue that this arrangement could further entrench the power of Mnangagwa’s ZANU-PF party, which has ruled Zimbabwe since independence from Britain in 1980.
Mnangagwa ascended to power in 2017 after long-serving President Robert Mugabe was ousted following military intervention. He subsequently won the 2018 and 2023 elections, both of which faced disputes from opponents. For now, Zimbabweans have a new date to mark on their calendars: September 15, officially known as Munhumutapa Day, which also coincides with the President’s birthday and provides a day off work.
