Villagers forced to fund Mugabe bash

Zanu-PF youths are allegedly demanding $1 each from Masvingo villagers as the party struggles to raise $800 000 for President Robert Mugabe's 92nd birthday bash in the province, with the party only able to raise less than $150 000 in cash and pledges so far.

Human rights advocacy group, Community Tolerance, Reconciliation and Development (Cotrad), yesterday claimed villagers and civil servants in the host province were being coerced into making cash contributions towards the celebrations, a charge Zanu-PF has denied.

Meanwhile, preparations for the 21st February Movement to celebrate President Mugabe's birthday have moved a gear up with the Zanu-PF Youth League yesterday revealing this year's theme: Youth Celebrating An African Icon Through Enhanced Productivity.

President Mugabe turns 92 on February 21.

The Zanu-PF Youth League secretary Pupurai Togarepi said this year's theme was motivated by President Mugabe's continued fight for freedom and economic emancipation for Africans.

Pupurai Togarepi said this year's celebrations will be held on February 27 at Great Zimbabwe in Masvingo.