Sundaymail Editor
Gibson Mhaka
Zimpapers Politics Hub
JUST as a child’s fourth birthday marks a significant milestone, a tangible sign of growth and development, so too does the fourth consecutive year of Zimbabwe’s Uhuru celebrations being held outside Harare.
This year’s Independence Day celebrations will be held at Nembudziya Growth Point in Gokwe North under the theme “Zim@45: Devolve and develop together towards Vision 2030”.
The event is expected to attract over 60 000 people from all the 10 provinces in the country.
The vibrant hues of the national flag, the rhythmic beat of traditional drums and the echoes of patriotic speeches have, for the past three years, painted a picture of national unity in locations far removed from the capital’s familiar streets.
Following a virtual celebration in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Zimbabwe’s Uhuru celebrations embarked on a nationwide journey.
Bulawayo broke ground, hosting the first out-of-Harare national festivities in 2022, followed by Mt Darwin and Buhera in subsequent years.
This departure from the traditional Harare-centric celebrations is more than just a change of scenery.
It is a manifestation of Zimbabwe’s decentralisation policy, a commitment to bringing the national narrative to the doorstep of its diverse populace.
The impact has been palpable.
Local businesses boom as they benefit from the influx of visitors.
Tourism receives a welcome boost as the region’s attractions are showcased.
And most importantly, communities experience a surge in national pride.
Political analyst and media expert Mr Methuseli Moyo said by consistently choosing to celebrate national unity in different regions, the Government is actively building a legacy of inclusive development and demonstrating a genuine commitment to empowering all its citizens.
“If you take the event to all corners of the country, it demonstrates that we all belong.
“We are all Zimbabweans; we are one nation. When things happen at a local level, people tend to reconnect and recollect the background to the issues that led to Independence Day and also to the whole idea of being free and political freedom.
“It is quite a commendable thing to do. It will also be welcome if areas like Binga and Beitbridge host this important event too,” said Mr Moyo.
The strategic decentralisation being championed by the Second Republic underscores a serious intent to move beyond rhetoric and implement meaningful change, noted Mr Moyo.
He said by bringing the national celebrations to diverse places, the Government not only fosters a sense of belonging among previously marginalised communities but also stimulates local economies.
The influx of resources and attention associated with these events provides a platform for showcasing regional potential and addressing local needs, reinforcing the “leaving no one and no place behind” ethos.
Social commentator Dr Luyanduhlobo Makwati said the Second Republic is making the grand national celebrations inclusive, creating a sense of belonging.
“Decentralising Independence Day celebrations is important because it builds the national ethos embedded in what all liberation fighters stood for.
“Having celebrations cascading down from provinces to districts also allows the youth to appreciate that Independence Day celebrations are an important event for every citizen, which will remain on the calendar of the country for life.
“When it is celebrated on lower levels, those who brought the independence feel honoured, hence they have the chance to inculcate the spirit of valuing the celebrations among the youth,” said Dr Makwati.
Chief Chireya, a traditional leader from Gokwe North where the Independence Day celebrations will be held, praised the Second Republic, stating that holding the event outside Harare for the fourth time was a powerful testament to the Government’s commitment to true devolution.
He said it signified that Zimbabwe’s progress was not confined to the capital, but was reaching every corner of the land.
“This decision demonstrates that the Government is listening to the people and is dedicated to equitable development for all,” he said.
“We, the traditional leaders of Gokwe, are deeply honoured and grateful that our region has been chosen to host the nation’s Independence Day celebrations.
“The tangible benefits of hosting these celebrations are already evident.
“The improvements to our infrastructure, the boreholes providing clean water and the renewed focus on our region will leave a lasting legacy for our communities.
“This devolution of the Independence Day festivities is not merely symbolic; it is a catalyst for real, sustainable development.
“It proves that when national events are brought to the provinces, the hosting region experiences a significant boost in terms of infrastructure, economic activity and overall progress.
“We thank the Government for this opportunity, which will undoubtedly improve the lives of our people.”
This transformative approach to governance underscores the Government’s commitment to devolution and decentralisation, a commitment further evidenced by the significant number of projects underway across the country.
According to the Compendium of Projects implemented by the Second Republic from 2018 to 2022, over 1 053 projects were underway.
This demonstrates how Inter-Governmental Funds Transfer disbursements have effectively fuelled development across critical sectors.
Of those projects, 743 were completed, symbolising progress; while the 310 that are ongoing show continued momentum and future improvements in service delivery.
It is important to note that these projects were not just numbers on a page; they represented tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans.
From better-equipped hospitals and schools to improved access to clean water and reliable transportation, the impact of the devolution and decentralisation policy was being felt in communities across the nation.
The policy’s emphasis on local ownership and decision-making was empowering citizens to take charge of their own development, leveraging their unique resources and knowledge to address local needs.
The success of the initiative was rooted in the constitutional mandate outlined in Section 264 of the Constitution, which championed the transfer of power and resources to local jurisdictions.
Through fostering economic and social development at the grassroots level, the Government is not only fulfilling its constitutional obligations, but also creating a more equitable and prosperous future for all Zimbabweans.
Just as the four cardinal directions provide a framework for the world, the consistent, four-year practice establishes a structured and enduring commitment to equitable national development.
The sustained implementation of this policy over four years serves as a powerful testament to its durability and the Second Republic’s dedication.
It proves that this is not a fleeting initiative but a fundamental shift in governance aimed at creating a more equitable, united and participatory nation.
Chief Chireya further noted: “While it is the capital, Harare doesn’t represent the full tapestry of Zimbabwe.
“Taking Uhuru to different provinces is a symbolic gesture, a way to say, ‘This day belongs to all of us, no matter where we live’.
“Also, holding the National Independence Day celebrations in different areas brings a unique flavour and cultural richness to the national event.”
Mr Noble Muvirimi, a Rushinga resident who attended the celebrations in Mt Darwin in 2023, said: “It’s about inclusivity. People in rural areas often feel disconnected from national events.
“Bringing Uhuru celebrations to rural areas allows them to participate, to feel and be seen and heard. It’s a reminder that their voices matter.”
Online Reporter