Government officials and people from all walks of life yesterday sent congratulatory messages to President Mnangagwa who turned 82.
The President yesterday presided over Munhumutapa Day festivities.
Munhumutapa Day was a conception of the Zanu PF Youth League to honour President Mnangagwa for embodying the spirit of the great Munhumutapa rulers by shepherding Zimbabwe towards Vision 2030 guided by the principle “Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo’’.
Zimbabweans also took the opportunity presented by the Munhumutapa Day commemorations to celebrate President Mnangagwa’s assumption of the SADC Chairmanship.
Among those who sent congratulatory messages were Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, Cabinet ministers, all the ministries and parastatals, Government officials, dignitaries, businesspeople and local companies and organisations.
In his congratulatory message VP Chiwenga said, “On behalf of the people of Zimbabwe, my office, my family and indeed my own behalf, I would like to congratulate the First Secretary of Zanu PF and the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa on his 82nd birthday on September 15, 2024. Your Excellency, we are gratified by this milestone as you continue to lead and guide our revolutionary party and our great nation with unparalleled distinction.
“The nation has witnessed unprecedented economic modernisation and transformation, characterised by massive infrastructural development and stabilisation of the economy, in our common goal to accelerate the attainment of a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030.
“We undertake to emulate your exemplary leadership in our endeavours to deliver broad-based and inclusive quality service to the people of Zimbabwe, leaving no one and no place behind. The regional bloc, SADC, has entrusted you with added responsibility as its current chair to foster Southern Africa’s integration and economic prosperity.
“We are confident that you will ably deliver this mandate considering your impressive record of robust and visionary leadership. Allow me, once again, to congratulate you, Shumba Murambwi, and the First Family on your birthday.
“We pray that the Lord grant you many more years as you lead our great nation from the front. Makorokoto, Congratulations, Amhlophe, Shumba Murambwi, Mudzungairi, weShambo Chena!”
Vice President Mohadi said President Mnangagwa is an outstanding leader who is determined to transform Zimbabwe.
“His outstanding leadership and determination to develop the country towards an empowered upper-middle income society is commendable. I, therefore, wish our President, who is also the First Secretary of the ruling party Zanu PF, many more years so that he fulfils his commitment to uplifting our people from poverty into prosperity.
“Cde Mnangagwa’s commitment to serve the people with distinction is admirable and I wish that the Second Republic continues on this path of development. As you continue to lead the country and the SADC region as Chairperson, I wish you all the best of success. May good health be your portion and pray that the Lord Almighty continue to bless in all your endeavours,” he said.
Defence Minister and the ruling Zanu PF party National Chairman, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri also posted on X congratulating the President.
“Happy Birthday President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Favour, Wonders, Peace, Excess Joy,” she posted.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana also wrote, “Happy Birthday to the Principal, Head of State, Commander in Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Chancellor of all State Universities, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the SADC Chairman.”
In a statement, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development also said, “Please join us in extending warmest birthday wishes to His Excellency, President Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa, and wishing him continued wisdom, strength, and success in leading our nation towards the realisation of Vision 2030.”
The Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services said the birthday celebrations come at a time when Zimbabwe was still toasting to President Mnangagwa’s assumption of the chairmanship of the 16-member SADC regional bloc.
“It is indeed a momentous chapter to His Excellency, his family and Zimbabwe at large. His servant leadership philosophy has propelled the country to another level of economic and political development.
“As we celebrate with him on his birthday, we reflect on the massive infrastructural developments that he has championed that have transformed the fortunes of the country and the architecture of its landscape.”
Zanu PF secretary-general Dr Obert Mpofu, the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Ministry of Energy and Power Development, Office of the Attorney-General and Zimbabwe Land Commission also congratulated the President.
Others are Hwedza District Council, Competition and Tariff Commission, Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Open University, Gwanda State University, Management Training Bureau, TelOne, Zinara, Betterbrands Investments, Arda, NOIC, Great Zimbabwe University and Office of the President and Cabinet.
Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Dr Tamer Almassri said: “On behalf of the Embassy of the State of Palestine, its staff, and myself, I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe HE Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa on his birthday. His exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the Republic of Zimbabwe has inspired countless individuals.
“We deeply admire His Excellency’s principled governance and dedication to the well-being of the Zimbabwean citizens. We are truly grateful for his friendship and the ongoing support he has extended to our people and our Embassy.
“President Mnangagwa’s unwavering solidarity with the people of Palestine, expressed on numerous prestigious platforms, is a testament to his character. We are confident that His Excellency’s support will remain steadfast”.