adminBulawayo, Matabeleland North and South provinces would hold the Governor’s Ball starting at 7pm while in Midlands, the event, whose proceeds go to charity was waived because of financial constraints.
Each province set an organising committee, which was spearheading preparations for the historic day.
The chairman of the Bulawayo fund-raising committee, Mr Benedict Moyo, said the Governor’s Ball would be held at the Large City Hall with two objectives, to celebrate 32 years of independence and to raise money for charity.
“The fund-raising campaign is well on track. We will be having the Governor’s Ball from 7pm until midnight today. We expect about 400 people and so far we have sold about 80 percent of the tickets of which the proceeds will go to charity,” said Mr Moyo.
He said they were targeting to assist about five homes with provisions like food and blankets.
Matabeleland North Provincial Administrator Ms Latiso Dlamini said the Governor’s Ball would be at Edmund Davies Hall in Hwange.
“Preparations are advanced now as we have got beasts and game meat for the main event. Tomorrow at 7pm we will have the Governor’s Ball and the proceeds will go to charity. We want to thank the corporate world for the support,” said Ms Dlamini.
She said the province had raised almost $3 000 cash.
Ms Dlamini said while the main provincial event would be in Lupane, the provincial capital, respective districts would hold their own events.
The main event will be in Harare where President Mugabe is expected to deliver his speech.
In Bulawayo, the provincial celebrations would be held at White City Stadium while in Matabeleland South the venue is Pelandaba Stadium in Gwanda. Somhlolo Stadium will host Matabeleland North in Lupane while Mkoba Stadium and Mucheke Stadium would host the provincial events for Midlands and Masvingo provinces respectively.
In Matabeleland South, the Governor’s Ball would be at the Gwanda District Club and acting Provincial Administrator, Mr Midard Khumalo said preparations had gone on well.
He said some districts like Insiza and Bulilima were ready to hold their own celebrations after successfully fund-raising for the day.
Midlands Governor Jason Machaya said although the province was hampered by lack of funds, which forced it to suspend the Governor’s Ball, preparations for the Independence Day celebrations had gone on well.
He said: “Independence Day is the time to meet and celebrate a milestone, 32 years of freedom.”
He urged people in Midlands to attend the event in their numbers.
“Unfortunately this time we did not have enough funds for the Governor’s Ball but if there is surplus after the celebrations we might have it. We invite everyone regardless of political affiliation to attend,” said Governor Machaya.
Online Reporter