HARARE — Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has criticised the decision to make President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s birthday an annual public holiday, saying Zimbabwe needs “sensible leaders” and a new political direction.

Chamisa’s comments follow the announcement of 15 September as an official public holiday, named Munhumutapa Day, through Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026, which also coincides with Mnangagwa’s birthday.

In a social media post, Chamisa questioned what would happen if presidents in the US made their birthdays national holidays, considering there are over 40 presidents to date.

“Just imagine if every U.S. president had declared his own birthday a national public holiday,” Chamisa said, arguing that the United States could theoretically have dozens of presidential birthday holidays.

He said such an approach would result in countries celebrating political leaders rather than concentrating on productivity and national development.

“In Zimbabwe, we need a new direction!” Chamisa said.

The new holiday coincides with Mnangagwa’s 84th birthday and has generated debate over the decision to designate the sitting president’s birthday as a national holiday.

The government has framed Munhumutapa Day around Zimbabwe’s pre-colonial heritage, with the name referring to the royal title associated with the Mutapa state.

Chamisa’s criticism comes amid growing public debate over the symbolism and purpose of Munhumutapa Day, which is now part of Zimbabwe’s annual public holiday calendar.