Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure and Ray Bande
ZANU PF National Chairman, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, has hailed the hosting of this year’s provincial Independence Day commemorations in Chipinge, citing the district’s strategic role in the liberation struggle, and its production of the late revolutionary icon, Cde Ndabaningi Sithole.
Chipinge, which borders Mozambique, served as a vital escape route for freedom fighters during the armed struggle, while also being the home of Cde Sithole, who founded the Zimbabwe African National union (ZANU) in 1963, and led it for nearly a decade.
Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri said President Emmerson Mnangagwa posthumously conferred national hero status on Cde Sithole in 2022, in line with the national policy of leaving no one and no place behind, recognising his pivotal role in shaping the country’s liberation movement.
In line with the devolution agenda, Gaza Stadium in Chipinge will host the provincial Uhuru commemorations, while Maphisa, in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province, hosts the national event that will be addressed by President Mnangagwa.
This year’s theme is: “Zim@46 – Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030” – emphasising national cohesion, economic transformation, and the goal of achieving an upper-middle-income society by the year 2030.
“Apart from being located in the Eastern Highlands border with Mozambique, which provided escape routes for veterans of the liberation struggle, revolutionary luminaries like the late national hero, Cde Ndabaningi Sithole, hailed from this district. Guided by the national policy of leaving no one and no community behind, His Excellency, the President, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, posthumously awarded Cde Sithole national hero status in 2022, recognising his crucial role in the formation of the Zimbabwe African National union (ZANU) in 1963, which he served as its President for almost a decade. Recognising the importance of the political ecosystem of Chipinge, in 2023, the President appointed Cde Wilson Khumbula to the party’s Central Committee. Furthermore, your very own Member of Parliament for Chipinge Central, Honourable Raymore Machingura, was appointed executive director of the Department of Presidential Scholarships. In the same vein, the national launch of the 2023 ZANU-PF Presidential Campaign was held in this district. This is testament to the pivotal role that Chipinge District plays in the political economy of Zimbabwe,” she said, adding that the liberation heritage must embolden the next generation of leaders to be resilient, loyal, disciplined and continue the fight for self-determination and economic independence.
“The President is very grateful to Chipinge District for rallying behind national Vision 2030 and turning out in your numbers to support Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3, during the Parliament of Zimbabwe public hearings held at Rimbi Business Centre. Seventy (70) other districts throughout the country supported the Bill. This is a strong reaffirmation that the people of Zimbabwe are yearning for development. The independence flame has once again rekindled the nation, being a precursor to massive celebrations of our 46th Independence Anniversary. Make a date with the national independence ceremony. Let the celebrations of ‘Uhuru’ at 46 years remind us all that we belong to one nation, and together we can make the Zimbabwe we want,” said Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, who will deliver President Mnangagwa’s speech, said a bumper crowd is expected to turn out for event.
“This year’s Independence Day commemorations are going ahead as planned. We are expecting a bumper crowd, especially from the host district. We are expecting to have people coming from all parts of Manicaland since this is a very important national calendar event. All the districts will be taking part in this event. It is a day that we are looking forward to commemorate and have time to thank, both the living and departed heroes and heroines of this country for liberating this nation. We want to thank our President for the devolution programme that he introduced to ensure that such events are hosted in all areas. This is meant to ensure that there is no place and no person left behind. As we are all aware, there is no longer a provincial centre where such events are hosted. They rotate. There will be lots of entertainment, artistes from Chipinge and other parts of Manicaland will share the stage and entertain the crowd. We have also ensured that there is enough food for everyone during the commemorations. Therefore, people must never shy away thinking that they might starve. No! Everything is in place for this important day,” said Minister Mugadza.
Gaza Stadium has already undergone renovations in preparation for the event, a development dovetailing with the national infrastructural development thrust implemented through decentralisation of such crucial events.
Chipinge Town Council public relations officer, Mr Fungayi Mtapati, said the venue of the event – Gaza Stadium – has been spruced up to ensure a suitable ambience during tomorrow’s event.
“In line with preparations for the upcoming 46th Independence Day commemorations, significant progress has been made at Gaza Stadium, with a number of key works already completed while others are at an advanced stage of finalisation. Among the major developments is the extension of the stadium, particularly at the Mutipfa Farm end, which has enhanced capacity and improved the overall layout of the facility. Essential plumbing works have been successfully completed, ensuring improved sanitation and functionality of ablution facilities.
“In addition, turf rehabilitation works have been carried out to restore the playing surface to acceptable standards. The installation of public lighting has also been completed, improving visibility and safety within the stadium precinct. Further improvements include the painting of stadium infrastructure, as well as the completion of toilet facilities, both of which have significantly enhanced the aesthetic appeal and usability of the venue. Currently, the focus is on finalising stadium signage and roadworks, which are at an advanced stage and expected to be completed in time for the commemorations. The works undertaken have transformed Gaza Stadium into a more functional, accessible, and visually appealing facility,” said Mr Mtapati.
ZANU PF Manicaland provincial chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza, rallied party members and residents to attend the Uhuru commemorations in huge numbers, emphasising the importance of the day in honouring the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle.
Cde Mukodza said Independence Day is, not only a time to celebrate the freedom attained in 1980, but also an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and recommit to the national development agenda.
He urged all districts to mobilise members to attend the event, noting that rotation of national events under the devolution policy ensures every province and district feels included in national programmes.
He said the commemorations are a reminder of the blood spilled by gallant sons and daughters of the soil, who fought to dismantle colonial rule, and called on the youth to safeguard the gains of independence by shunning divisive politics and focusing on unity, peace, and development.
Cde Mukodza said this year’s theme speaks to President Mnangagwa’s vision of transforming Zimbabwe into an upper middle income economy.
“Achieving that vision requires collective effort, hard work, and patriotism from all citizens regardless of political affiliation. We also commend Government for ongoing infrastructure upgrades at Gaza Stadium as such developments demonstrate the tangible benefits of hosting national events. Transport logistics have been put in place to ferry people from across Manicaland. Let us come in our thousands to celebrate our Uhuru. Independence came through sacrifice, and it must be defended through unity and hard work,” he said.
