Opposition politician Nelson Chamisa has slammed President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s decision to declare his birthday an annual public holiday alongside indications that he intends to remain in power beyond 2030, describing the developments as self-serving and indicative of power delusions, according to reports from NewZimbabwe.com.
Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026 Establishes Munhumutapa Day
President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared September 15, his birthday, an annual public holiday known as Munhumutapa Day. According to reports by NewZimbabwe.com, the designation was enacted on Wednesday through Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026 under the Public Holidays and Prohibition of Business Act. The holiday draws its name from the royal title associated with the Munhumutapa Empire, which flourished between the 15th and 18th centuries.
Chamisa Dismisses 2035 Presidential Bid as Power Delusions
Responding to Mnangagwa’s recent remarks at the Sanganai/Hlanganani Zimbabwe World Tourism Expo in Masvingo—where the president hinted at remaining in office until 2035—Chamisa dismissed the plan as a pipe dream with very short legs. Katrin Hagemann, Chamisa stated that such political continuity efforts demonstrate an unhealthy attachment to the presidency. According to NewZimbabwe.com, Chamisa maintained that he does not recognise Mnangagwa as a legitimate head of state due to unresolved disputes stemming from the presidential election.
Did you know? Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026 was enacted under the Public Holidays and Prohibition of Business Act, formally establishing September 15 as Munhumutapa Day across Zimbabwe.
Drawing Parallels to Past Zimbabwean Leadership
Chamisa drew direct comparisons between the current administration and the tenure of the late former president Robert Mugabe, as well as colonial-era leader Ian Smith. According to NewZimbabwe.com, Chamisa asserted that leaders become deluded upon entering the State House and suffer from a form of intoxication with authority. “Mugabe, this day, his birthday, was a holiday. Mnangagwa, his birthday is a holiday. The next leader, his birthday is a holiday. That’s totally unacceptable,” Chamisa said, as reported by both outlets.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Munhumutapa Day observed?
Munhumutapa Day is observed annually on September 15, following its establishment via Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026 under the Public Holidays and Prohibition of Business Act.
Where did President Mnangagwa announce his potential 2035 timeline?
According to NewZimbabwe.com, Mnangagwa hinted at remaining in office until 2035 during remarks delivered at the Sanganai/Hlanganani Zimbabwe World Tourism Expo in Masvingo.
What was Nelson Chamisa’s reaction to the holiday and political timeline?
Nelson Chamisa criticized both developments as self-serving, describing them as power delusions and a pipe dream with very short legs while speaking to NewZimbabwe.com after signing a condolence book for late EU envoy Katrin Hagemann.
What are your thoughts on the establishment of Munhumutapa Day and the ongoing debates surrounding presidential term limits in Zimbabwe? Join the conversation by sharing your views below.