Cabinet approves 10-year plan for Uhuru venues

CABINET has approved a 10-year schedule of venues for the country’s Independence Day celebrations, with Masvingo Province set to host the 47th national commemorations next year.

The decision reflects the Second Republic’s ongoing drive to deepen devolution through the rotational hosting of major national events across all provinces to foster development that comes with being hosts.

Skills Audit and Development Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, who chaired yesterday’s post-Cabinet briefing, said the selection criteria and rotational system are in line with the country’s devolution agenda.

“Going forward, and in line with already-announced next venue selection criteria and the devolution agenda, Masvingo Province will host the 2027 (47th) Independence anniversary celebrations,” he said.

“The subsequent Independence celebrations hosting sequence will be as follows: Masvingo in 2027, Matabeleland North in 2028, Mashonaland East in 2029, Mashonaland West in 2030, Harare Metropolitan in 2031, Bulawayo Metropolitan in 2032, Mashonaland Central in 2033, Manicaland in 2034, and Midlands in 2035.”

Dr Muswere also said Cabinet has expressed satisfaction with the 2026 Independence celebrations held in Maphisa, Matabeleland South, recently, saying they were characterised by high turnout and delivery of infrastructure.

“Cabinet is pleased that the 2026 Independence celebrations were a resounding success, characterised by exceptional public turnout and the delivery of high-standard infrastructure owing to the Whole-of-Government Approach adopted in the preparations, under the coordination of the Cabinet Committee on State Occasions and National Monuments,” he added.

“The main celebrations at Maphisa Town were attended by an estimated 55 000 Zimbabweans. The Children’s Party presided over by His Excellency the President and the First Lady, Dr A. Mnangagwa, on April 17 2026, was also a resounding success.

“A new, high-standard stadium was successfully constructed in Maphisa Town to host the Independence celebrations.

“The facility was designed to meet international standards, including a Confederation of African Football (CAF) grade football pitch with underground drainage and modern changing rooms for players and officials.

“The arena features five public toilet facilities and permanent seating for 10 000 people, alongside specially-constructed parking spaces for VVIP and VIP dignitaries,” he said.

Dr Muswere said the enhanced appeal of Maphisa Town stands as a proud testimony to the Second Republic’s mantra of “leaving no one and no place behind”.

He said the preparations involved the execution of legacy projects such as the construction of the New Maphisa Stadium (98 percent complete), delivery of equipment for the J.M.N. Nkomo Polytechnic Home Economics Block, whose superstructure is 100 percent complete and completion of the Insiza District Registry.

In addition, the preparation also included the upgrading of schools, including Mahetse Primary School, Minda High School, Kezi Primary School and the construction of 40 science laboratories and the construction of the J. M. N. Nkomo Youth Service and Vocational Training Centre (66 percent complete).

Infrastructure construction and rehabilitation also included Maphisa Police Station, Kezi Police Station, Maphisa Hospital and completion of Kezi Rural Health Centre.

Added Dr Muswere: “The hosting of the 2026 Children’s Party at Mahetshe Primary and Secondary Schools served as a catalyst for major infrastructure uplift of the schools.

“Government successfully delivered three classroom blocks, an administration office, an Early Childhood Development block and three staff houses, ensuring a lasting legacy for the local communities.

“Other significant milestones included the commissioning of a modern computer laboratory by His Excellency the President, and the completion of a fully-equipped science laboratory at Mahetshe Secondary School.”