ZVISHAVANE, Zimbabwe – Today, September 15, 2025, Zvishavane hosts the second annual Munhumutapa Day, a national event coinciding with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 83rd birthday. Over 30,000 people, primarily youths from across Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces, are expected to attend, celebrating both the President’s leadership and the country’s historical legacy. The event, held on a rotational basis across provinces, follows its inaugural celebration in Masvingo last year.
The day’s highlights include the commissioning of the Midlands Park flats, a US$29 million housing project in Zvishavane designed to accommodate 1,000 families. President Mnangagwa will officiate the ceremony, showcasing the government’s commitment to improving living standards. Other activities include youth-led displays of empowerment projects, such as farm mechanization, livestock programs, and business ventures, reflecting the Second Republic’s focus on economic progress.
Dr. Jenfan Muswere, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, described Munhumutapa Day as a celebration of President Mnangagwa’s vision for an upper middle-income society by 2030. “We are celebrating the life of a statesman, a visionary, a man of the people, who has dedicated his life to the freedom and prosperity of Zimbabwe,” Muswere stated. The event underscores the President’s philosophy of “Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo/Ilizwe Lakhiwa Ngabanikazi Balo” (The Nation is Built by Its People), emphasizing collective responsibility for national development.
The Legacy of Munhumutapa
Munhumutapa Day draws its name from the Mutapa Empire, a powerful Shona kingdom that flourished from around 1450 CE. Founded by Nyatsimba Mutota, the empire spanned modern-day Zimbabwe, parts of Mozambique, Zambia, and Malawi, controlling key gold trade routes to the Indian Ocean. At its peak under rulers like Matope, the Mutapa Empire was renowned for its stone architecture, centralized governance, and spiritual traditions involving mhondoro spirit mediums. The empire’s wealth, derived from gold mining, made it a significant regional power until Portuguese interference and internal conflicts led to its decline by the 17th century.
The day links this historical legacy to modern Zimbabwe’s aspirations, framing President Mnangagwa as a leader carrying forward the empire’s spirit of sovereignty and progress. The event also highlights recent achievements, including infrastructure development and food security initiatives, as steps toward Vision 2030’s goal of an upper middle-income society.
A Platform for Unity and Progress
Messages of support have poured in from various sectors. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade praised President Mnangagwa’s role as SADC Chairperson, noting his leadership in the EAC-SADC Joint Summit to foster peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Zimbabwe Defence Forces, led by Commander General Philip Valerio Sibanda, commended his “selfless contribution to the liberation and development of Zimbabwe” and pledged loyalty to his vision. The Ministry of Energy and Power Development and the Airports Company of Zimbabwe also expressed commitment to advancing the President’s goals for industrialization and inclusivity.
Munhumutapa Day serves as a platform for Zimbabweans to reflect on their shared heritage while rallying behind the national vision. With cultural performances, speeches, and showcases of youth empowerment, the event in Zvishavane celebrates both President Mnangagwa’s leadership and the collective resolve to build a prosperous future.
