President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared September 15 a new national public holiday, to be known as Munhumutapa Day. The date coincides with his birthday, and the declaration was made through Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026, published in the Government Gazette on September 9.
The holiday is named after the royal title of the pre-colonial Mutapa Empire, which covered parts of modern-day Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The government says the holiday celebrates Zimbabwe’s pre-colonial history and civilisation.
The move has drawn criticism from those who see it as part of Mnangagwa’s efforts to consolidate power, particularly after a recent constitutional amendment extended his second term from five to seven years. He has also made remarks suggesting he will still be in office in 2035, telling attendees at the Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Expo in Masvingo that he would be in power when the event rotates to other provinces.
Critics argue that the new holiday is a personality cult move, while supporters say it honours Zimbabwean heritage. The declaration means September 15 will now be a public holiday every year, adding to the country’s already numerous holidays.