All in place for Children’s Party

The party will be held at the City Sports Centre.

Local Government, Rural and Urban Development Minister Ignatius Chombo yesterday said preparations for the 32nd independence celebrations were progressing well.

Minister Chombo chairs the Independence Day organising taskforce.

“Everything is in place for the children’s party. As usual President Mugabe is the guest of honour,” he said.

“We have secured a good sound system for the party and it is going to be a party with a difference.

“Children from different schools in the country have confirmed their participation and they will be entertained by various musicians.”

Minister Chombo said preparations for the main celebrations tomorrow Wednesday at national and provincial levels were almost complete.

“Mass displays and Ministry of Defence teams are making final touches today. The situation is the same in the provinces,” he said.

“The Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture has provided the children with 200 art books and uniforms for the main celebrations at the National Sports Stadium.

“Jeys Marabini and Alick Macheso will provide entertainment during the main celebrations,” said Cde Chombo.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent invitations to diplomats and cards for VIPs are being distributed. The Ministry of Health has confirmed that it will be ready to deal with emergencies,” said Cde Chombo.

He said some businesspeople donated buses and lorries to ferry people to the venue.

“This is in addition to the 45 buses that we have,” said Cde Chombo.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will be out in full force, providing security to people and their property, while on the other end Zesa has assured us that there will be no power cuts.

“We have two big generators on standby in case of any eventuality. The provinces have also confirmed their readiness.”

Cde Chombo said people should not wear party regalia when they attend the celebrations.

“This is a national event not a party event and no one should wear their party regalia,” he said.

“We want to celebrate in oneness and we expect people to display unity despite their different political affiliations.”

This year’s celebrations will be held under the theme: “Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment for Economic Transformation.”