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Gibson Mhaka
THE Second Republic under the stewardship of President Mnangagwa’s devolution programme, guided by the “leaving no one and no place behind” philosophy, which is a policy guide to inclusive development is gaining traction as evidenced by the recent devolution of national Independence Day celebrations across all 10 provinces.
This approach is seen as fostering a deeper understanding of the liberation struggle and a stronger sense of belonging among all Zimbabweans.
Previously, under the First Republic, Independence Day festivities were largely centralised in Harare, with other provinces holding concurrent, but smaller celebrations.
However, President Mnangagwa’s administration has implemented a shift, giving all 10 provinces the opportunity to host the main Independence Day event on a rotating basis.
Following President Mnangagwa’s declaration of devolving Independence Day celebrations, Bulawayo Province became the first beneficiary in 2022, hosting the historic 42nd Independence Day celebrations.
This marked a significant shift, bringing national festivities outside the capital and becoming a hallmark of the Second Republic’s commitment to community development in all provinces. In 2023, the baton was passed to Mashonaland Central’s Mount Darwin district, further solidifying the Government’s focus on devolution and decentralisation.
This year’s 44th Zimbabwean Independence Day celebrations were held at Murambinda B High School in Buhera, Manicaland Province.
There is no doubt that these changes promote inclusivity and foster a greater appreciation for the diverse cultures and contributions of different regions within Zimbabwe.
These changes are also a potential driver of development, with the hosting province standing to benefit from significant infrastructure upgrades and economic opportunities.
They are significant in many ways, in as far as charting a new trajectory by the Second Republic of fostering unity and inclusivity.
For instance, the hosting province often benefits from infrastructure improvements. Roads are rehabilitated and schools that host the celebrations are frequently renovated. This year’s celebrations in Murambinda serve as a prime example.
The venue saw significant construction projects, including the main arena, football pitch terraces, changing rooms, rest room facilities, and the rehabilitation of classroom blocks at Murambinda A and B Primary Schools and Murambinda B Secondary School. The buildings of the three schools were also painted.
Additional completed works included de-sludging the ablution facilities and septic tanks at the three schools, as well as those at the Zimbabwe Republic Police Station in Murambinda.
Perimeter fencing was installed at Murambinda B Secondary School.
The major feeder roads in the Buhera District were also rehabilitated and graded. This includes the Murambinda-Birchenough Bridge Road.
In addition, other small access roads were rehabilitated to ensure no one is left behind. Furthermore, 57 boreholes were drilled in Buhera District, exceeding the target of 50. Additionally, 24 Village Business Units were established.
Murambinda Mission Hospital and other clinics were also fully equipped to attend to any suspected cholera cases.
His Excellency the President also donated 1 000 computers to Buhera District. These were distributed to all schools in the district through the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
Following the successful hosting of the celebrations, Buhera District now boasts significant new infrastructure.
The Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, said the province was happy to host the biggest ever national event in Buhera.
“We are very excited to be hosting this year’s Independence Day celebrations in Buhera. Buhera is known for hosting the biggest assembly point during the liberation war at Dzapasi.
“The venue of the celebrations is very symbolic and all the people of Manicaland, including liberation war veterans, throng the venue for this year’s celebrations in their thousands,” said Minister Mugadza.
Buhera’s selection for the mega celebrations was also a befitting honour as the district had the biggest assembly point during the liberation war ceasefire at Dzapasi in 1979.
During the celebrations, attendees were also treated to top-drawer performances by Zimbabwean artistes including Agatha Murudzwa, Mathias Mhere, Sandra Ndebele, Chief Hwenje, Shantel Sithole, Sulumani Chimbetu, D J Fantan Levels, Mark Ngwazi and many others.
As part of the Independence Day celebrations, two football matches were organised. On the eve of Independence Day, Simba Bhora from Mashonaland Central Province played against Manica Diamonds. Simba Bhora won 5-4 on penalties.
Then, on Independence Day itself, the Murambinda community were treated to Zimbabwe’s biggest football fixture dubbed the Battle of Zimbabwe pitting Dynamos and Highlanders in the Independence Day Cup.
Dynamos emerged victorious with a 1-0 win.
It is against this background that the people of Buhera and surrounding areas came in their numbers for the 44th Independence celebrations to confirm and carry on the legacy of the Manicaland Province in terms of its richness in diversity and ability to host memorable events.
Online Reporter