$600 000 for Mugabe's 89th birthday bash

Cape Town - Preparations for Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's 89th birthday celebrations have begun, with the fundraising committee aiming to raise $600 000 for the event, according to a report.

The state-owned Herald reported on Wednesday that the funds were expected to be raised from the country’s 10 provinces.

The celebrations, slated for Chipadze Stadium in Bindura on 23 February, will be held under the theme "Youth for Indigenisation, Empowerment, Development and Employment Creation".

The chairperson of the fundraising committee, Absolom Sikhosana, could not be drawn to disclose how much had been raised so far, but said "everything was on course", adding that "those assigned to carry out various tasks were working timeously".

"We have raised a substantial amount for the event. Everything is moving according to plan and it is our hope that we will meet our targets," he said.

Sikhosana said donors were providing overwhelming support and called on others to be involved in the celebrations.

Over 60 000 people were expected to attend the occasion.

Although Mugabe is now one of Africa's oldest leaders, age hasn't dented his enthusiasm for office and he is set to contest in upcoming elections after more than three decades in power.

February 06, 2013