Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube [email protected]
BINGA District in Matabeleland North Province is set to host Zimbabwe’s 2028 national Independence Day celebrations, a development expected to bring major infrastructure projects, attract investment and speed up economic growth in one of the country’s previously marginalised areas.
The announcement was made by the Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, and marks another step in the Second Republic’s push to spread national events and development opportunities across all provinces.
Speaking during a recent meeting with local authority officials from across Matabeleland North, Minister Moyo said Cabinet had approved the province to host the 2028 celebrations, with Binga chosen as the host district.
“Cabinet approved Matabeleland North Province to host the 2028 national Independence celebrations. In Matabeleland North Province, we have a big challenge in Binga of roads and even infrastructure. So our venue for the Independence will be Binga,” he said.
The decision is expected to trigger large-scale infrastructure development ahead of the event, including road upgrades, construction of sports facilities and improvements to public services in the district.
Minister Moyo said preparations for the celebrations could help speed up the rehabilitation of the Cross Dete–Kamativi–Binga Road, which has long been in poor condition and has limited access and economic activity in the area.
Binga District Development Coordinator, Mr Lands Siansole Kabome, described the move as a historic moment for both the district and the province.
“This is a historic milestone for the district and the wider Matabeleland North Province. Hosting such a prestigious national event is not only a ceremonial honour but also a strategic development opportunity capable of transforming Binga’s infrastructure, economy, tourism sector and social services.
“The celebrations will attract Government officials, investors, development partners, tourists, businesspeople and media attention from across the country and beyond, creating an opportunity for accelerated development and long-term investment.”
Mr Kabome said the event would put Binga on the national map for investment and tourism, while also showcasing the district’s untapped potential.
Known for its rich BaTonga culture, natural beauty and location near Lake Kariba, Binga has strong potential in tourism, fishing, mining and agriculture—sectors that could grow with better infrastructure and visibility.
“The increased national visibility for the district will improve investor confidence and attract future development opportunities. Programmes linked to the celebrations are expected to stimulate both public and private sector investment in infrastructure and commercial activities,” said Mr Kabome.
He added that local people are also expected to benefit through job opportunities during the construction and preparation phase.
One of the key projects expected from the event is the construction of a stadium, which Mr Kabome said will help develop sport and youth talent in the district.
“The construction of a stadium for the event will be a milestone for sports development in the district where a lot of youth talent remains untapped,” he said.
Binga is home to several tourist attractions, including sandy beaches along Lake Kariba, houseboat cruises, fishing activities and crocodile farms, which authorities hope to promote ahead of the celebrations.
The district has increasingly become a focus of Government development programmes under the Second Republic.
During a visit to Binga in 2022, President Mnangagwa announced several projects aimed at improving living standards and connecting the district to the rest of the country.
These include the proposed construction of the 345-kilometre Binga–Siakobvu–Karoi Road, expansion of safe water access through the drilling and solarisation of 49 boreholes, the establishment of Binga Polytechnic, construction of a Civil Registry building and the development of the Binga Border Post.
Government has also distributed kapenta fishing rigs to chiefs, youths and women’s groups to support livelihoods around Lake Kariba.
Hosting the 2028 Independence celebrations is expected to speed up these projects and strengthen the Government’s devolution agenda, which aims to ensure balanced development and equal opportunities across all regions.
-@themkhust
