National Youth Day origins

InItIally known as the 21st February Movement is a national holiday in Zimbabwe and is celebrated on February 21. this holiday honours the late Robert Mugabe who was the first prime minister of Zimbabwe from independence in 1980 until 1987, then the country’s first president from 1988 to 2017.

The day is commemorated on the day of Mugabe’s birthday, who was born on February 21, 1924.

The focus of the day is increasingly moving away from the late President and is instead focusing on youth.

Speaking in 2021, youth, arts, Sports and Culture minister Kirsty Coventry said: “the 21st February is a national youth Day. the day was proclaimed and instituted by the government in 2017 in order for the nation to recognise and celebrate the contributions made by the youth throughout the history of the country as well as for the young people to recognise and emulate the leadership values.”

History of National Youth Day

the national youth Day was first proposed and accepted in august 2017 after intense lobbying by the Zanu PF youth league.

the 21st February Movement was formed in 1986, by the Zanu PF youth league, to commemorate the principles and ideals that Mugabe stood for.

It was officially declared as a public holiday on the inauguration of President Emmerson Mnangagwa on november 27, 2017.

On announcing the holiday, Mnangagwa said the former President needed to be given the respect and recognition he deserved as one of the founders and leaders of Zimbabwe.

“to me personally, he remains a father, mentor, comrade-in-arms and my leader,” he said.

Mugabe was born on February 21, 1924. He was a school teacher before becoming involved in african nationalist protests calling for the independence of Southern Rhodesia from Britain.

He was imprisoned from 1964 to 1974 for making anti-government comments. On release, he became the leader of the Zanu.

He took part in the peace negotiations that led to independence and the end of minority white rule.

at the 1980 general elections, Mugabe led Zanu to victory, becoming Zimbabwe’s first Prime Minister from 1980 to 1987.

In 1987, he became President, only stepping down in 2017 after a military intervention and mass demonstrations.

Mugabe died on September 6, 2019 at the age of 95.