HARARE - President Robert Mugabe’s 90th birthday celebrations will be glamorous, at least according to Zanu PF’s national secretary for Youth Affairs Absolom Sikhosana.
The celebrations, due to be held in the Mashonaland East town of Marondera, 72km east of Harare, will cost a million dollars, an official said.
Mugabe has ruled Zimbabwe since the country gained independence from Britain in 1980.
The campaign to raise funds for the birthday celebrations is being run by a youth organisation called the 21st February Movement, which was founded in 1986 in honour of Mugabe.
“Everything is in order for the 21st February Movement celebrations,” Sikhosana told the Daily News in a telephone interview. “The people have been generous and I can tell you we will have a splendid party befitting the president’s figure.
“It is exciting to be organising such an event. The people have come through and everything has been set up. We cannot wait for the day because it will be a big day for us.”
Sikhosana said the bash has been oversubscribed.
“We are in serious trouble. Everyone wants to grace the party. Liberation movements in Sadc have notified us that they are coming,” he said.
“I can tell you that people from United Kingdom, America and the West have contacted us inquiring about the event. Also the countries in the East have already told us that they want to come. The event is oversubscribed.”
Sikhosana was noncommittal as to whether the $1 million earmarked for the party had been attained or not.
“It is not about money but the celebrations. We are not concerned about the money but celebrating the birthday of an African hero. Of cause we will have to provide food, water and the likes to the people but that is not a problem to us. Everyone who will attend will eat and be merry,” Sikhosana said.
The 21st February Movement, which coincides with Mugabe’s birthday, was established in 1986 to encourage youths to emulate the president’s leadership qualities.
Mugabe is currently in Singapore undergoing an eye operation. He is expected back in the country over the weekend in time for the 21st February Movement celebrations.