Masvingo - All is set for Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's $800 000 birthday bash, which is set take place in the Masvingo province on Saturday, a report said on Wednesday. According to the state-owned Herald newspaper, the event organisers, the February 21 movement, said the ruling Zanu-PF party in the host province were working in "great cohesion" to make the day a success.

The February 21 movement was established in 1986 to encourage Zimbabweans, the youths in particular, to emulate Mugabe's revolutionary ideas, charismatic leadership and selfless policies. Private owned media reports on Tuesday suggested that the fighting factions within the ruling party were at logger heads over control of the event.

NewsDay reported that the Masvingo province was split into two camps, with one group - reportedly backing First Lady Grace Mugabe - claiming "sole responsibility" for the function. But, Zanu-PF general secretary for youth affairs Pupurai Togarepi maintained that all was "ready to fly" for the celebrations.

Mugabe turned 92 on Sunday. Togarepi said the event would be held at the Great Zimbabwe Monuments. "Everything is in place and we are putting final touches on minor areas. You can feel the celebratory mood in Masvingo. The enthusiasm to celebrate the president's birthday in Masvingo with him cannot be resisted," Togarepi was quoted saying. Togarepi said the party had so far collected 53 beasts for the party, with the hope of reaching a target of 60 by Friday.

A total of 50 000 guests were expected to grace the occasion.

News 24
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