Critics rail against lavish celebrations for Mugabe’s 92nd birthday

Lavish celebrations are getting under way in Zimbabwe on Saturday to mark the 92nd birthday of president Robert Mugabe, the world’s oldest leader. Tens of thousands of party loyalists, officials and members of the public are expected to attend a day of concerts, street parades and parties. “Organisers have been working flat out to ensure the celebrations are a success,” said Simon Khaya-Moyo, a spokesman for the autocrat’s ruling ZANU-PF party. "Everything is in place and we are looking forward to tremendous events.“ But critics have condemned the expense when the country is in the grip of a severe drought and many are going hungry.

There will be wining and dining at the venue while all around people are starving.

Takavafira Zhou, a political analyst at Masvingo State University

Mugabe, who turned 92 last Sunday, has ruled for 36 years during an era marked by vote-rigging, mass emigration, accusations of human rights abuses and economic decline. The main party on Saturday will be held in a large tent at the Great Zimbabwe ruins, a UNESCO world heritage site that was built in the 13th century. Cattle and wild game will be slaughtered for the feast, with organisers claiming that as many as 50,000 guests are expected. The scale of the celebrations, costing a reported $800,000 this year, are bound to stir up controversy in Zimbabwe, which recently declared a "state of disaster” owing to the drought.

Thank You Bob, We now have a voice, since 1980

Zimbabwe’s Sunday Mail newspaper

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