Audio By Carbonatix
Thousands of Zimbabweans have attended an official 90th birthday celebration for President Robert Mugabe.
The veteran leader, who has been in power since 1980, released 90 balloons into the air at a stadium east of the capital Harare.
He turned 90 on Friday but was in Singapore for eye surgery at the time.
Many schoolchildren were among the crowd, waving flags and chanting Mr Mugabe's clan name.
Huge cakes were on display in the centre of the stadium in Marondera, about 80km (50 miles) from Harare, while the crowd wore red scarves, as is traditional on the president's birthday.
In an hour-long speech he said Zimbabweans did not hate former colonial masters the British, but loved their own country more.
He also condemned homosexuals for performing what he called "unnatural acts".
The cost of the celebration - estimated at about $1m - has prompted criticism in a country suffering from severe economic problems.
"I feel as youthful and energetic as a boy of nine," Mugabe said, before cutting his cake
He moved around the venue in the back of a truck, accompanied his wife GraceLatest Stories
-
Over 300 actors audition for Big Ghun and Doreen Avio’s ‘Scarlett Unveiled’
22 minutes -
MTN to introduce 0.75% charges on MoMo-to-bank transfers from June 1
29 minutes -
NDC urged to establish clear guidelines to manage growing political ambitions
39 minutes -
Tarkwa-Nsuaem teachers declare strike over alleged assault of colleagues by military men
47 minutes -
Ghana to ban styrofoam products from January 2027 in major anti-pollution drive
49 minutes -
Ghana to host landmark global supply chain summit as EU deforestation deadline looms
51 minutes -
Haruna vs Asiedu Nketiah: Tensions could distract gov’t from governance agenda — Dr Osae-Kwapong
57 minutes -
NSA releases PIN codes for 18,617 nurses and midwives for 2026/27 national service
57 minutes -
She refused to look away: How Regina Asamoah brought Ghana’s missing children crisis into the light
57 minutes -
GRA announces two-month amnesty for uncustomed vehicle users
59 minutes -
Haruna vs Asiedu Nketiah: Tensions ‘worrying’ if allowed to escalate — Dr Osae-Kwapong
1 hour -
MCG marks International Missing Children’s Day: “Report immediately” and prioritise online safety
1 hour -
Citizen drags President Mahama to CHRAJ over brother’s Damang Mine takeover
2 hours -
Gambaga prison officers, inmates undergo mental health sensitisation
2 hours -
World Bank pushes for immediate opening of Weija Children’s Hospital
2 hours