45th Uhuru celebrations: Over to you Gokwe-Nembudziya

 

Lloyd Makonya
Correspondent

GOVERNMENT recently confirmed Gokwe-Nembudziya in Midlands Province as the official venue for the 45th national Independence Day celebrations.

This announcement aligns with the Second Republic’s commitment of ensuring inclusive development through the rotational hosting of national commemorations.

The theme for this year’s celebrations, “Zimbabwe@45: Devolve and Develop Together Towards Vision 2030”, underscores the nation’s dedication to fostering equitable growth and accelerating progress towards an upper middle-income economy by 2030.

The theme chosen for this year’s commemorations reflects Zimbabwe’s broader developmental trajectory, particularly the devolution agenda, which seeks to empower all regions, including historically marginalised rural communities.

Through devolution, local economies are expected to receive the necessary resources and autonomy to drive their own development, ensuring that growth is, not concentrated only in urban centres, but evenly distributed across the country.

Under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, Government has championed an inclusive growth model where national celebrations act as catalysts for infrastructural development and economic transformation.

This was evident in last year’s independence commemorations held in Buhera, Manicaland Province.

The hosting of the event saw significant infrastructural developments, including the construction of modern classroom blocks, rehabilitation of roads, and the drilling and solarisation of over 90 boreholes to address water shortages.

Additionally, Buhera witnessed the construction of a state-of-the-art Uhera Stadium, which, not only served as the main venue for the celebrations, but has since become a valuable community asset for sporting and cultural events.

The rehabilitation of ‘Butcher Site’ in Rusape and Dzapasi liberation war heritage site in Buhera capped a wide range of long lasting developmental works in Manicaland which came through the hosting of national independence celebrations.

By hosting national events in different provinces, Zimbabwe is actively decentralising development and enhancing service delivery in rural areas.

The infrastructural legacy projects initiated as part of these commemorations provide lasting benefits to local communities, improving their standards of living and fostering economic growth.

In the case of Gokwe-Nembudziya, preparatory works are progressing swiftly, with major investments being channelled towards upgrading roads, modernising public facilities, and improving local infrastructure.

Midlands Province is set to benefit immensely from these developments, positioning itself as an emerging major economic hub.

The growth point will witness the construction of essential amenities all of which contribute to employment creation and economic empowerment for local residents.

Beyond infrastructure, such national events attract investments and create opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to thrive.

Local businesses, including those in the agricultural and tourism sectors, will experience a surge in economic activity as visitors, government officials, and businesses converge on Gokwe-Nembudziya.

This stimulates rural economies, bridging the gap between urban and rural development while ensuring sustainable livelihoods for people in these communities.

Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 aims to transform the country into an upper middle-income economy, and devolution plays a critical role in achieving this goal.

By directing resources towards marginalised areas, Government is ensuring that every citizen benefits from national progress.

Infrastructure development, improved access to basic services, and enhanced economic opportunities in rural areas contribute to poverty alleviation and national economic growth.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, recently emphasised the importance of this year’s theme, noting that Government’s developmental programmes are geared towards creating an inclusive economy.

“Preparatory works are at an advanced stage, with the construction of legacy projects in full swing at the main arena at Gokwe North open grounds. The selected theme aligns with Government’s far-reaching goal of attaining an upper middle-income economy by 2030 through equitable development,” he said.

As Midlands Province takes the mantle from Manicaland, the successful hosting of the 45th independence celebrations in Gokwe-Nembudziya will reinforce Government’s commitment to ensure that no-one and no place is left behind.

It is a testament to the power of national events in driving development and shaping a prosperous future for all Zimbabweans.

The rotational hosting of national commemorations is proving to be an effective tool for inclusive development.

By aligning these events with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, Government is, not only celebrating the country’s independence, but also laying the groundwork for sustained economic growth and improved livelihoods.

As Gokwe-Nembudziya prepares for this landmark event, Midlands Province and indeed the entire nation can look forward to yet another chapter of meaningful progress and transformation.