by Gideon Madzikatidze/Simbarashe Sithole in Mvurwi
The Citizens Against Economic Sanctions (CAES) has thrown its weight behind Munhumutapa Day, with its (CAES) interim leader, Ellison Muchenje Samuriwo saying the commemorations are critical in restoring national identity and unity in the face of economic challenges.
Speaking during CAES engagements in Mashonaland Central,Samuriwo said the organisation is 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. The reasons for our organisation to join others in celebrating MunhuMutapa Day is because this day reminds us of who we are as a people,” Samuriwo said.
“MunhuMutapa Day is about reclaiming our history, our values and our pride as Zimbabweans. At CAES we believe that as we fight economic sanctions, we must also fight to preserve our culture and our sovereignty. The two go hand in hand,” he added.
He said CAES sees the commemorations as aligning with its mandate of mobilising citizens to resist external pressure and build economic independence.
Samuriwo linked the Munhumutapa celebrations to CAES’s ongoing advocacy, noting that 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 added that CAES will use Munhumutapa Day platforms to educate communities on the impact of sanctions and to rally support for local production, value addition and regional trade.
Speaking during the same event, CAES Mashonaland Central Chairperson, Mr Edmore Chirenje said the commemorations are 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,” Chirenje said.
“As CAES Mash Central we are mobilising our structures to participate fully because we understand that when we are united culturally and economically, no sanction can stop us,” Chirenje said.
He said the chapter is working with traditional leaders, schools and youth groups to ensure the day is celebrated meaningfully in the province.
The CAES said Munhumutapa Day celebrations provide an opportunity to promote domestic tourism, arts, and heritage-based enterprises that can create jobs and foreign currency.
The CAES reiterated its call for the unconditional removal of sanctions, arguing that lifting them would allow Zimbabwe to fully leverage its cultural and natural resources for development under Vision 2030.
As preparations for Munhumutapa Day continue nationwide, CAES said it will partner with government, civil society and traditional institutions to ensure the day becomes a permanent pillar of national identity and economic resilience.