By Farai D Hove |Breaking News: President Mnangagwa Turns 82, Defies Retirement Norms Amid Controversy
Harare, Zimbabwe — In a show of defiance against Zimbabwe’s retirement norms, President Emmerson Mnangagwa celebrates his 82nd birthday today, reaffirming his position as the country’s leader despite far exceeding the nation’s official retirement age of 65.
The president, who came to power in 2017 following the ousting of his predecessor Robert Mugabe, has long faced criticism for his extended stay in office. Mugabe, who was born in 1924, became due for retirement in 2004 according to national standards. At that time, Mnangagwa was seen maneuvering behind the scenes, orchestrating the Tsholotsho Declaration in an attempt to succeed Mugabe, a power shift that nearly materialized. Now, in a similar position to his former ally, Mnangagwa finds himself well beyond the retirement age, with no indication of stepping down.
Despite his advanced age, President Mnangagwa remains unapologetic and upbeat about his longevity in office. “I don’t count my age; others count them for me… and I feel very young and very strong,” he stated confidently during a recent public appearance. “What I was doing 10 years ago, I still do today. Some of you have your age in your mind, but not with me.”
The President’s remarks come amid growing concerns among political analysts and opposition figures about the stagnation of leadership and the need for generational change in Zimbabwe’s top office. Many have pointed out the irony of Mnangagwa’s current situation, mirroring the same criticisms he once leveled at Mugabe for overstaying his welcome in power.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, in a statement celebrating the President’s birthday, heaped praise on the aging leader: “On behalf of the people of Zimbabwe, my office, my family, and, indeed, my own behalf, I would like to congratulate the First Secretary of ZANU PF and the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency, Cde Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, on his 82nd birthday on September 15, 2024. Your Excellency, we are gratified by this milestone as you continue to lead and guide our revolutionary party and our great nation with unparalleled distinction.”
However, the Vice President’s congratulatory remarks have done little to quell the ongoing debate surrounding the age and vitality of Zimbabwe’s leadership. Mnangagwa’s continued hold on power raises questions about the nation’s future governance, with many Zimbabweans reflecting on the stalled attempts at leadership change since the early 2000s, when Mnangagwa himself was at the center of a movement pushing for a younger and more dynamic presidency.
As Zimbabwe grapples with economic challenges and political uncertainty, the question of Mnangagwa’s succession looms larger than ever. Will Zimbabwe’s leader heed the calls for retirement, or will he continue to defy the age norms he once used to challenge his predecessor? Only time will tell.