Munhumutapa Day: Zimbabwe’s Newest Public Holiday Set for Annual Observance

Zimbabwe has officially added a new public holiday, Munhumutapa Day, to its national calendar. This day will be marked every year on September 15, following its inclusion through General Notice 954 of 2024, in accordance with the Public Holidays and Prohibition of Business Act [Chapter 10:21].

The holiday serves a dual purpose — it commemorates President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s birthday and pays tribute to the legacy of the historic Munhumutapa Empire. According to statements made to The Herald, Zanu PF Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs, John Paradza, confirmed that plans are underway to host this year’s celebration.

“Preparations for Munhumutapa Day are ongoing. The event will be held in Zvishavane, located in Midlands Province. Young people will use the day to highlight the President’s accomplishments. Among these are initiatives like the Youth Empowerment Scheme, a revolving fund, business units, agricultural mechanisation, and the heifer programme, which now spans all ten provinces,” said Paradza.

Each year, Munhumutapa Day will rotate across provinces. In 2024, the celebrations took place in Masvingo, while this year, Zvishavane has been chosen as the host town. Organisers anticipate a large turnout for the main event.

As part of the festivities, a national sports tournament will be held from 13–14 September 2025, spearheaded by the Zimbabwe National Sports Promotion for Economic Development (ZIMSPORTS4ED). Chairperson Gabriel Togarepi explained that the tournament will feature multiple sporting disciplines and is open to participants nationwide.

“Teams from across Zimbabwe are invited to register. This isn’t just about honouring the President’s birthday — it’s also about recognising the progress achieved under the Second Republic,” Togarepi said.

The primary event on 15 September 2025 is expected to draw more than 30,000 attendees, mostly young people, with President Mnangagwa scheduled to preside over the day’s proceedings.

Initiated by the Zanu PF Youth League, Munhumutapa Day is intended to celebrate President Mnangagwa’s leadership, which the party describes as reflective of the values once upheld by the Munhumutapa rulers. The holiday also aligns with the country’s strategic goals under Vision 2030.

Paradza also mentioned that lead-up events will include activities aimed at addressing social issues such as drug and substance abuse, particularly among youth.

“We’ll be hosting sports events nationwide as a tool to fight drug abuse,” he said.

For Zimbabweans, the new holiday means an additional official day off work. But beyond that, it offers opportunities for communities to come together in activities like sports and youth engagement, especially as the government intensifies efforts to combat societal challenges.

Munhumutapa Day will permanently coincide with President Mnangagwa’s birthday on 15 September, and in 2025, he will turn 83 years old.