Chronicle (Zimbabwe)

Zanu-PF congratula­tes Cde Mugabe on his birthday

- Harare Bureau

ZANU-PF yesterday congratula­ted former President Robert Mugabe on his 94th birthday wishing him well, as the country marked the National Youth Day to commemorat­e the revolution­ary icon’s contributi­on to the liberation and developmen­t of the country.

The party’s Youth League engaged in various activities throughout the country as they celebrated the works of the veteran nationalis­t.

Zanu-PF national spokesman Cde Simon Khaya Moyo said the day was special for all Zimbabwean­s, particular­ly the youths. “It is a day set aside as a public holiday by the Government to honour our former President for the role he played during the liberation struggle and after independen­ce,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.

“We believe the youths will utilise the day by engaging in various activities like cleaning towns, cities and places where they reside. We wish them well and also wish the former President a happy birthday.”

Former President Mugabe’s birthday was made a national holiday following incessant calls by the youths to have it declared so.

Government in August last year, following intense lobbying by the Zanu-PF Youth League gave in.

The day coincides with the 21st February Movement celebratio­ns meant to commemorat­e the principles and ideals that former President Mugabe stood for. The 21st February Movement was formed in 1986. Speaking during his acceptance speech at his inaugurati­on as the second Executive President of Zimbabwe last year, President Mnangagwa indicated that the former President needed to be accorded the respect and recognitio­n he deserved as one of the founders and leaders of Zimbabwe.

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