Online Reporter
Richard Muponde
Zimpapers Politics Hub
CHIEF Musarurwa of Chikomba has praised the Government for taking this year’s Independence Day celebrations to Matobo District, describing the move as a historic gesture of national unity, spiritual reverence and inclusive development under President Mnangagwa.
Zimbabwe today marks its 46th Independence anniversary under the theme: “Zim@46: Devolve and Develop Together Towards Vision 2030.”
In an interview with Zimpapers Politics Hub this afternoon, Chief Musarurwa said hosting the commemorations in Matobo District, home to the sacred Njelele Shrine and place of birth of liberation icon and late Vice President Father Zimbabwe, Cde Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo, symbolises gratitude to the nation’s spiritual guardians and liberation heroes.
He said the Government’s rotational policy reflects the Second Republic’s commitment to devolution and ensuring no region is left behind.
“As the traditional leadership, we celebrate together with the nation. Independence came once in 1980, and we continue to stand under that flag with pride for generations to come. We honour our heroes from all corners of the country and beyond who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. As custodians of culture, we affirm that Zimbabwe was liberated once and will never be colonised again, and this unity must be preserved forever, ” he said
Chief Musarurwa said taking the celebrations to Matobo carries deep historical and spiritual significance, linking modern Zimbabwe to its ancestral roots.
“We are grateful to the Government for taking Independence celebrations to Matonjeni and Matobo, to Dulibadzimu, where we connect with our ancestors at Njelele. This is a moment to inform them that the country they guided to liberation is free and progressing. It is a powerful symbol that development and national pride must reach every corner of Zimbabwe under the leadership of President Mnangagwa and the Second Republic,” Chief Musarurwa said.
Born into a lineage of traditional leadership, Chief Musarurwa traces his heritage to the Rozvi/Lozwi dynasty, historically associated with resistance and governance structures in pre-colonial Zimbabwe. He has been instrumental in advocating for the revival of Rozvi cultural identity in Matabeleland, fostering unity among communities with shared historical roots.
Beyond cultural leadership, he has contributed to Zimbabwe’s development through mobilising rural communities around agricultural productivity and land utilisation following the Fast Track Land Reform Programme
.
He has consistently championed land ownership as a cornerstone of economic empowerment and sovereignty.
Chief Musarurwa also reflected on his father, Willy Madzikanda Musarurwa, recalling his role during the liberation struggle and interactions with nationalist figures, underscoring a family legacy deeply embedded in Zimbabwe’s fight for independence.
He commended the Government’s infrastructure drive, citing road construction, dam projects and industrialisation as evidence of tangible progress.
“We are witnessing a development trajectory defined by massive infrastructure, including roads, dams and industries. As traditional leaders, we call upon our spirit mediums and ancestors to witness this progress and continue guiding the nation. Let there be peace in Zimbabwe, no more bloodshed and may our fallen heroes rest as the country advances towards prosperity, “Chief Musarurwa said.
The holding of the main Independence Day celebrations in Matobo is widely seen as a symbolic convergence of history, spirituality and development, reinforcing the Second Republic’s mantra of inclusivity and national unity.
