Harare: Girl child advocate Anna Mabhena has called on Zimbabwe’s youth to wholeheartedly celebrate Munhumutapa Day, describing it as a vital opportunity to honour the nation’s heritage and draw inspiration from the revolutionary leader’s enduring vision.
Mabhena serves as the Executive Director of the Zimbabwe Liberated Girl Child in Action (ZLGCA), a national organisation representing the daughters of Zimbabwe’s liberation war veterans, with a membership of approximately 2,000 people and operations spanning Harare, Bulawayo, Kwekwe, Norton and beyond. Under her leadership, ZLGCA has implemented income-generating projects, financial literacy training, and skills development programmes targeting vulnerable girls and young women aged 15 to 35.
Speaking on the significance of the commemoration, Mabhena emphasised that understanding history is essential for building a strong future: “Munhumutapa Day is more than a celebration of our history—it is a powerful reminder of the strength, unity, and vision that define us as a people. I encourage our young people, especially young women, to draw inspiration from King Munhumutapa’s extraordinary leadership. By embracing our rich heritage and aligning with this vision of self-reliance and unity, our youth can confidently step up as the leaders, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow.”
She further noted: “The legacy of the Great Munhumutapa Empire serves as a blueprint for national pride, resilience, and youth empowerment across all sectors of society.”
Reflecting on the broader implications for young Zimbabweans, Mabhena added: “When we equip a girl or a woman with skills, we are giving them a lifeline to empower themselves and contribute to the development of the country”. She also stressed the importance of active youth participation: “No nation can develop if 52 percent of its population is left on the sidelines”.
September 15 was proclaimed Munhumutapa Day through Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026, commemorating the legacy of the pre-colonial Mutapa Empire and its contribution to Zimbabwe’s identity. The 2026 edition marks the first time the occasion is observed as a national public holiday, with over 100,000 people expected at national celebrations.
Mabhena noted that the legacy of the Great Munhumutapa Empire serves as a blueprint for national pride, resilience, and youth empowerment across all sectors of society.
