By A Correspondent

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa is facing mounting controversy over the authenticity of his age, with rumors swirling that he may have concealed his true birth date in an attempt to appear younger.

While the official narrative holds that Mnangagwa was born in 1942, making him 82 years old in 2024, critics are questioning whether the veteran leader is manipulating his age for political advantage.

The debate ignited after old photographs of Mnangagwa from the year 2000 resurfaced, showing him with distinct grey hair.

However, more recent images of the President show him with a full head of black hair, prompting allegations of age manipulation.

This situation has drawn comparisons to the practice of “age cheating” in sports, where athletes downplay their age to gain an advantage or prolong their careers.

In Mnangagwa’s case, some believe he is using a similar strategy to project an image of vitality and political longevity.

Despite the growing speculation, the President has yet to publicly address the allegations.

A government spokesperson dismissed the rumors as “mere sideshows,” arguing: “Why would the President fake his age? It’s baseless.” The statement sought to downplay the controversy, positioning it as a distraction from more pressing national issues.

Nevertheless, critics remain unconvinced, pointing to the striking difference in Mnangagwa’s appearance as evidence of potential age manipulation.

The debate over his true age has become a topic of heated discussion both within Zimbabwe and internationally, raising questions about the leader’s health, political future, and whether the age controversy is being used to bolster his image ahead of upcoming elections.

In a nation already rife with political tension, the issue of age has taken on symbolic significance, further intensifying the scrutiny of Mnangagwa’s leadership.

Whether or not the allegations are true, they have sparked curiosity and debate, with the President’s true age remaining a subject of intense speculation.

Until Mnangagwa offers an explanation, the question of his age is unlikely to fade from the political discourse anytime soon.