HARARE - The town of Marondera yesterday came to life as thousands of people from all walks of life thronged Rudhaka Stadium to attend a lavish 90th birthday party for President Robert Mugabe.
Clad in a black suit, white shirt and a red tie, the suave Mugabe — who has ruled Zimbabwe since 1980 — held extravagant celebrations, treating thousands of supporters to a feast of music, food and praise poetry.
Africa’s oldest leader, who turned 90 on Friday, moved around the venue on the back of a truck waving his clenched fist to a crowd of thousands, before releasing 90 balloons into the air.
THE First Family helps President Mugabe cut his birthday cake at Rudhaka Stadium, Marondera. Pictures: Annie Mpalume
The birthday boy said he felt like a nine-year-old.
“I feel as youthful and energetic as a boy of nine,” Mugabe said, before cutting his cake.
President Mugabe and wife Grace walk back to their seats after the cake cutting.
He said he was grateful that at 90, he was not alone, and had a wife and children he adored.
He said the first lady was “the caretaker, provider, and the lover.”
The nonagenarian said he observed a strict, healthy diet and steered clear of smoking and drinking.
President Mugabe takes time to taste his birthday cake.
He promised to be tough against graft.
“Corruption is affecting the implementation of Zim Asset,” he said.
“Even in banks, when you start your own bank and you take people’s deposits, that’s looting. Chako ndechako, chevamwe ndechavamwe hachibatwe-batwe. Humbavha ihwohwo. (Don’t take what is not yours. That is stealing.)”
Mugabe warned that government will not hesitate to lock up anyone fingered in graft.
Part of the crowd at the birthday bash.
“Don’t be surprised when we send all corrupt people to jail. We want straight, forward and honest people,” he said.
“As I am speaking I don’t mean we are all thieves, but those few in positions of authority who want to take what is not theirs. These are the people who are embarrassing us. We must look for them and embarrass them.”
Mugabe received birthday messages from the Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese president Xi Jinping.
Mugabe has ruled Zimbabwe for the past 34 years, and is one the longest serving leaders in African history.
The audience was entertained with performances from multiple Nama winner Jah Prayzah and queen of dance Sandra Ndebele.
Prophet Uebert Angel delivered a convocation at the birthday party, where he said African problems will be solved by Africans.