Mugabe's family, staff hold birthday party on his 93rd birthday

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe turned 93 on Tuesday and close family members, cabinet ministers and members of staff from his office held a traditional birthday ceremony for him at his Munhumutapa offices in the capital.

The main celebrations for the President's birthday will be held in Matopos, Matabeleland South on Feb. 25.

Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Misheck Sibanda read a congratulatory message from the office and hailed the president for his continued defense of the people and the Africa continent, state broadcaster ZBC reported.

Sibanda pledged to work for the success of socio-economic programs being implemented by government for the development of the nation.

Sibanda presented three gifts comprising a compilation of visual arts from the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, in appreciation of the veteran leader's contribution to the development of arts, culture and education in the country.

Mugabe is the world's oldest leader and Africa's third longest serving. He is the only head of government Zimbabweans have ever known since the country attained independence from Britain in 1980.

He has been confirmed by the ruling Zanu-PF as its party's presidential candidate for the 2018 elections when he will be 94.

He recently said he is not ready to step down and will not groom a successor as it is the responsibility of the people.

His party is currently riddled with factionalism as members jostle to succeed him. Endit