Through Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026, the government made September 15 an annual holiday called Munhumutapa Day to celebrate the historic Mutapa Empire that once spanned Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Officials emphasize its focus on pre-colonial African history, with observances planned to rotate among provinces.
Critics, however, note the date matches Mnangagwa's 84th birthday and draws parallels to former leader Robert Mugabe's named holiday, seeing it as personal promotion amid economic woes and recent term extensions to 2030.