21 February declared public holiday

The government has declared 21 February a public holiday in honour of the values and principles stood for by President Robert Mugabe who was born on the 21st of February in 1924.

Announcing the declaration of 21 February as a public holiday which will be called Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day at a press conference in Harare, Home Affairs Minister, Dr Ignatious Chombo said the request was long overdue following advocacy and lobbying by the founders of the 21st February Movement, the National Youth League and many Zimbabweans since 1985.

Dr. Chombo said the decision was also unanimously endorsed by the cabinet and the Politiburo is in recognition of the unparalleled, visionary and principled leadership of President Mugabe.

The Youth Ministry has been mandated to coordinate the activities that link up the youth across the country to values and principles of the 21st February Movement.

Former and current National Youth League which has been lobbying for the declaration concurred that President Mugabe should be honoured for the peace, tranquility and harmony prevailing among the people of Zimbabwe since independence.

Over the years the 21st February Movement has been commemorated as a youth event under the coordination of the Zanu PF Youth League.

Also in attendance at the press conference was Minister of Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment, Cde Patrick Zhuwao, Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr. Christopher Mushohwe,  Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Minister., Joseph Made, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Deputy Minister, Cde Anastancia Ndlovu, and Cde Webster Shamu.