Londile Moyo
DIRECTOR of Ceremonies and Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon D Garwe; First Lady, Amai Dr A Mnangagwa; Vice- President, Hon Gen (Rtd) Dr C G D N Chiwenga; Vice-President, Hon Col (Rtd) Dr K C D Mohadi; Chairman of Zanu-PF, and Minister of Defence, Hon O C Z Muchinguri-Kashiri; Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Matabeleland South Province, Hon A Nguluvhe; Members of the Zanu-PF Central Committee and Politburo; Leaders of other Political Parties; Speaker of Parliament, Hon Adv J F N Mudenda; President of the Senate, Hon Amai M M Chinomona; The Chief Justice, Hon L Malaba; Honourable Ministers; Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr M Rushwaya; Chairman of the Public Service Commission, Dr V Hungwe; Commander, Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Gen E Matatu; Service Chiefs; Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Izinduna Zethu, lapha eMatobo, lezinye Izinduna esilazo lamuhla, Madzimambo edu; Senior Government Officials; Veterans of the Liberation Struggle; Fellow Countrymen and Women; Comrades and Friends.
Today, marks another historic milestone as we celebrate our 46th Independence Anniversary, under the theme, ‘Zimbabwe at 46, Unity and Development, towards Vision 2030.’
I extend greetings to my fellow countrymen, women, boys and girls physically gathered here and at numerous centres across our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe and those following the ceremony from the Diaspora. I say to you all, Happy 46th Independence Day.
Congratulations, Amhlophe, Makorokoto, Mapwanya; Ndi a vhuyelela; twakabomba, twakatandabala.
Comrades and Friends; Matabeleland South Province is of sacred significance in the history of our country. Many areas saw brutal protracted and indeed defining encounters, such as the Ratanyana Battleground and war monument, where ZIPRA liberation war fighters fought the racist Rhodesian troops. Along with Zezani, Manama, Minda and Thekwane Missions, these zones stand as haunting and yet heroic reminders of the cruelty suffered by our people.
The landscapes of Matabeleland South, mission halls and many schools tell of a rich past. They continue to be symbols of unity, pronouncing to present and future generations the enduring truth,that the struggle for Independence was executed by all Zimbabweans, who transcended ethnic and regional lines. Their courage, resilience andfortitude saw us realise the Independence, freedom and democracy we enjoy today. We shall forever honour and salute them.
Matobo and other Districts in Matabeleland South Province, gave birth to many distinguished sons and daughters of the soil, who dedicated their entire lives to the liberation and Independence of Zimbabwe. The towering Father Zimbabwe, uMdala Wethu, ‘Chibwe chitedza’ the late Vice-President, Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo, and uMama-Mafuyane; together with other late National Heroes such as Comrades; Alfred Nikita Mangena; Lookout Masuku; George “TG” Silundika; Steven Jeqe Nkomo and Simon Khaya Moyo, among many others, hailed from this Province.
Their patriotism and selfless sacrifice for our motherland, Zimbabwe, remain a source of inspiration to us all. Tinokutendayi, Siyalibonga Matabeleland South Province, for giving our nation many gallant heroes and heroines who helped to liberate our land from colonial bondage.
Today, we own and produce from the land, they fought to reclaim, after nearly a century of colonial subjugation. We salute all our Veterans of the Liberation Struggle for their heroic acts, bravery, courage and commitment to the birth of a liberated and united nation, singing one national anthem, under one national flag. From Plumtree to Mutare and from Beitbridge to Chirundu, Ilizwe ngelethu, Nyika ndeyedu.
While some freedom fighters lived to see the fruits of their sacrifices, others were not so fortunate.
Our nation shall always remember and cherish their contribution.
Fellow Zimbabweans; The economy has registered commendable growth anchored on a stable macro-economic environment. Foreign currency reserves now stand at more than US$1,2 billion, on the strength of a favourable gold sector.
Following a raft of reforms, our country achieved a single-digit annual inflation rate of 4,1% in January 2026, thereby anchoring long-term stability of our ZiG currency.
The exchange rate stability benefitted from increased foreign currency inflows, which exceeded US$16 billion, mainly due to rising exports of gold, tobacco, Platinum Group of Metals and Diaspora remittances.
Baya-thu-me-za imali, abantwana bethu aba-phe-tshe-ya, siyababonga.
Varikutumira mari, vana vedu, varikunze kwenyika, tinovatenda.
With regards the ease of doing business and enhancing Zimbabwe as a favourable investment destination, the review of taxes, fees and levies, has been effected across critical sectors of the economy.
I commend our banking sector for reverting back to their core business. However, more must be done to ensure full financial inclusivity.
Full article on www.sundaynews.co.zw
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter