Mugabe celebrates big birthday bash

BEITBRIDGE, Zimbabwe – Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe celebrated his 84th birthday on Saturday at a rally aimed at boosting support before elections next month.

The bash in the southern town of Beitbridge on the border with South Africa cost 3 trillion Zimbabwe dollars – the equivalent of about US$250 000 (about N$1,7 million) at the dominant black market exchange rate. A laughing Mugabe, wearing a garland of flowers and surrounded by supporters, was seen punching the air with his fists.He hit out at the country’s “enemies” who have criticised his presidency, including the US and Britain.”There will never be regime change here …Never,” he said.While the autocratic leader, one of Africa’s longest rulers, was eating cake, his country faces its worst political and economic crisis with inflation rocketing past the 100 000 per cent barrier this week.Across the border, a few hundred Zimbabweans held a protest in the South African town of Musina.They launched a giant helium balloon with banners reading: ‘Elections free and fair or just hot air?’ and ‘Bob, you’ve had your cake.Now beat it.’ The economic meltdown is blamed on disruptions in the agriculture-based economy after the often-violent seizures of thousands of white-owned commercial farms began in 2000 accompanied by political violence and turmoil.The state central statistical office has said the official rate of annual inflation rose to 100 580 per cent in January – the highest in the world.- Nampa-APA laughing Mugabe, wearing a garland of flowers and surrounded by supporters, was seen punching the air with his fists.He hit out at the country’s “enemies” who have criticised his presidency, including the US and Britain.”There will never be regime change here …Never,” he said.While the autocratic leader, one of Africa’s longest rulers, was eating cake, his country faces its worst political and economic crisis with inflation rocketing past the 100 000 per cent barrier this week.Across the border, a few hundred Zimbabweans held a protest in the South African town of Musina.They launched a giant helium balloon with banners reading: ‘Elections free and fair or just hot air?’ and ‘Bob, you’ve had your cake.Now beat it.’ The economic meltdown is blamed on disruptions in the agriculture-based economy after the often-violent seizures of thousands of white-owned commercial farms began in 2000 accompanied by political violence and turmoil.The state central statistical office has said the official rate of annual inflation rose to 100 580 per cent in January – the highest in the world.- Nampa-AP