Robert Mugabe National Youth Day in Zimbabwe in 2020

History of Robert Mugabe National Youth Day

Robert Mugabe was born on February 21st 1924. He was a school teacher before becoming involved in African nationalist protests calling for independence for Southern Rhodesia from Britain. He was imprisoned from 1964 to 1974 for making anti-government comments.

On release, he became the leader of the ZANU Patriotic Front. He took part in the peace negotiations that led to independence and the end of minority white rule.

Pictured: (l-r) Prime Minister of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe on August 24, 1980 -- (Photo by: NBC News/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

At the 1980 general election, Mugabe led the ZANU-PF to victory, becoming Zimbabwe's first Prime Minister from 1980 - 1987. In 1987, he became President, only stepping down in 2017 after a military intervention and mass demonstrations.

Mugabe died on September 6th 2019 at the age of 95.

The Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day was first proposed and accepted in August 2017 after intense lobbying by the ZANU-PF Youth League.

The 21st February Movement was formed in 1986, by the ZANU-PF Youth League, to commemorate the principles and ideals that former president Mugabe stood for.

It was officially declared as a public holiday on the inauguration of President Emmerson Mnangagwa on November 27th 2017.

Pictured: (l-r) Prime Minister of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe on August 24, 1980 -- (Photo by: NBC News/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

On announcing the holiday, President Mnangagwa said the former president needed to be given the respect and recognition he deserved as one of the founders and leaders of Zimbabwe. "To me personally, he remains a father, mentor, comrade-in-arms and my leader," he said.