Independence Day in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe marks Independence Day on 18 April, the date the republic was proclaimed in 1980. The public holiday recognizes the country’s independence and is a time for national reflection and gatherings.[1][3][4]
Legal status and the date
Zimbabwe’s Public Holidays and Prohibition of Business Act names Independence Day as a public holiday on 18 April. The Act also says that when a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a public holiday. It gives the President power to declare additional public holidays and, separately, to prohibit business on particular days or in particular premises.[1]
Under the Labour Act, an employee is entitled to leave of absence on a public holiday and to current remuneration if the day falls when they would otherwise have worked. An employee who agrees to work that day must receive at least twice their current remuneration.[2]
What the day commemorates
The date marks the proclamation of the Republic of Zimbabwe in Salisbury, now Harare, on 18 April 1980. The Australian National Archives records that the proclamation followed the Lancaster House Agreement, which set out a ceasefire, a period of transitional British rule, elections and a new constitution implementing majority rule while protecting minority rights.[4]
Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs identifies 18 April as both Independence and National Day. Its account of the national flag also says the flag was hoisted at independence on that date.[3][5]
How Zimbabwe marks the day
A presidential Independence Day address in 2019 welcomed people gathered in Harare and at venues around Zimbabwe, and described the anniversary as a time to remember the country, its people and those who died in the struggle for freedom.[5]
The address called for peace, unity and development.[5]
What to expect
The Labour Act provides employees with leave and pay protections for public holidays. Check opening hours and services with the specific provider before travelling or making plans.[1][2]
Independence Day questions
When is Independence Day in Zimbabwe?
It is held on 18 April, the date named in the Public Holidays and Prohibition of Business Act.[1]
Is it a day off for employees?
The Labour Act provides leave of absence on public holidays for employees, with current remuneration when the day would otherwise have been a workday. Employees who agree to work must receive at least twice their current remuneration.[2]
If 18 April falls on a Sunday, is Monday also a public holiday?
Yes. The Act says the Monday following a Sunday public holiday is also a public holiday.[1]
Are banks, shops and transport services open?
Their opening and service arrangements are not established by the holiday designation alone. Check directly with the bank, shop or transport provider.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Independence Day in Zimbabwe:
- Public Holidays and Prohibition of Business Act- Zimbabwe Legal Information Institute (ZimLII)
- Labour Act- Zimbabwe Legal Information Institute (ZimLII)
- Facts and Figures- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Zimbabwe
- Independence of Zimbabwe- National Archives of Australia
- President Mnangagwa's full Independence speech- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Zimbabwe