Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day Explained

Holiday Name:Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day
Type:national
Observedby:Zimbabwe
Significance:Commemoration of former President Robert Mugabe as one of Zimbabwe's founders and leaders.
Duration:1 day
Frequency:annual
Scheduling:same day each year
Date:21 February

Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day is a public holiday in Zimbabwe commemorating former President Robert Mugabe.

The ZANU–PF Youth League has commemorated Robert Mugabe on his birthday in February for years as part of its February 21st Movement which was established in 1986. The youth arm of the ruling party lobbied for the former president's birthday to be declared a national holiday for what the organization says was the leader's role in empowering the country's youth.[1]

The day was formally recognized as a national holiday on November 27, 2017, three days after President Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in as leader of Zimbabwe following a coup which led to the resignation of Mugabe as President.[2] The holiday was formalized through the publication of a statutory instrument on The Herald under the virtue of section 2 of the Public Holidays and Prohibition of Business Act.[1]

Notes and References

  1. News: Government officially declares Mugabe's birthday a holiday. 29 November 2017. New Zimbabwe. 27 November 2017.
  2. News: Zimbabwe officially declares Mugabe national holiday. 29 November 2017. BBC News. 27 November 2017.