May I be the first to wish Robert a happy birthday. Today he celebrates 85th birthday.

Zimbabwe's sole ruler for nearly three decades,is doing a sterling job dealing with the economic and political turmoil caused by the west that have forced him into a unity government with the opposition.

On Saturday, his ZANU-PF party has -- as it has done over the years -- organised a rally and party for thousands of people to mark his birthday. He was born on February 21 in 1924.

Feted as a champion of democracy and a hero of liberation.Zimbabwe's problems are a result of sabotage by Western and domestic opponents trying to oust him over his nationalist policies.

I respect the man and feel some of the comments above are unfair.