CAES backs Munhumutapa Day, says it restores national pride

The Citizens Against Economic Sanctions (CAES) has backed the commemorations of Munhumutapa Day, with interim leader Ellison Muchenje Samuriwo saying the national holiday is critical in restoring identity, unity and pride at a time Zimbabwe continues to face economic pressure.


Speaking during CAES engagements in Mashonaland Central, Samuriwo said the organisation was joining other stakeholders in celebrating Munhumutapa Day because it speaks directly to Zimbabwe’s heritage, resilience and self‑determination. “We celebrate to reclaim our identity. Munhumutapa Day reminds us of who we are as a people,” he said.

He said the commemorations align with CAES’s mandate of mobilising citizens to resist external pressure and build economic independence. “Munhumutapa Day is about reclaiming our history, our values and our pride as Zimbabweans. As we fight economic sanctions, we must also fight to preserve our culture and our sovereignty. The two go hand in hand,” he said.

Samuriwo linked the Munhumutapa celebrations to CAES’s ongoing advocacy, saying both seek to strengthen Zimbabwe’s resolve. “Just as Munhumutapa represented a strong, united and self‑reliant African civilisation, CAES is pushing for that same spirit today. We are saying sanctions have failed to break us, and through days like this we remind the world that Zimbabweans remain united and unbowed,” he said.

He said CAES would use Munhumutapa Day platforms to educate communities on the impact of sanctions and rally support for local production, value addition and regional trade.

CAES Mashonaland Central chairperson Edmore Chirenje said the commemorations were bringing communities together across the province. “Munhumutapa Day is not just a ceremony. It is a call for unity, for patriotism and for us to take ownership of our development,” he said. He added that the chapter was working with traditional leaders, schools and youth groups to ensure meaningful participation.

CAES said Munhumutapa Day also provides an opportunity to promote domestic tourism, arts and heritage‑based enterprises that can create jobs and foreign currency. The organisation reiterated its call for the unconditional removal of sanctions, arguing that lifting them would allow Zimbabwe to fully leverage its cultural and natural resources under Vision 2030.

As preparations continue nationwide, CAES said it would partner with Government, civil society and traditional institutions to ensure Munhumutapa Day becomes a permanent pillar of national identity and economic resilience.

This update contributes to broader discussions around national heritage revival and cultural‑driven unity.