MASVINGO // Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe marked his 92nd birthday at a party costing nearly $1 million on Saturday, drawing criticism from opponents who said the celebrations in a drought-stricken area were an affront to ordinary citizens.
Mr Mugabe turned 92 on February 21 and shows no intention of stepping down, much to the frustration of feuding members of his ruling Zanu-PF party who have been trying to position themselves to succeed him.
Thousands of supporters gathered next to the Great Zimbabwe ruins to pay tribute to the country’s only leader since independence from Britain in 1980.
Mr Mugabe, accompanied by his wife Grace and their children, released 92 balloons and sat listening to poetry readings, songs and chants by supporters hailing him as an African icon and a visionary.
A giant cake made to look like the ancient ruins for which Zimbabwe is named was set out in a nearby marquee. School children, foreign diplomats, government ministers and security chiefs were also present.
Pupurai Togarepi, Zanu-PF’s youth leader said 50,000 people were expected to attend and defended spending $800,000 (Dh2.9 million) on the celebrations.
“Money is not the issue here. You cannot put a price on the contribution of president Mugabe to the history and development of this nation,” he said.
Mr Mugabe’s lavish birthday parties have become an annual pilgrimage for loyalists and those seeking favours from the leader, but this year’s celebration in Masvingo province proved particularly controversial.
Three-quarters of the staple maize crop in the province has been destroyed in Zimbabwe’s worst drought since 1992.
Three million people are facing hunger and Zimbabwe has appealed for nearly $1.6 billion to help pay for grain and other food.
* Reuters
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If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
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Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
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Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale
Starring: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nagarjuna Akkineni
Director: Amith Krishnan
Rating: 3.5/5
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
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Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
The specs
Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: From Dh139,000
On sale: Now
SPECS
Engine: Two-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 235hp
Torque: 350Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Price: From Dh167,500 ($45,000)
On sale: Now