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Elita Chikwati and Leonard Ncube
SOME of the children and delegates from across Southern Africa expected to attend the regional World Children’s Day commemorations in Victoria Falls tomorrow have started arriving in the city.
Zimbabwe, in partnership with UNICEF, is hosting over 7 000 children from six other SADC countries: Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia, for the World Children’s Day.
The day is observed every November 20 but celebrations will be held tomorrow at Baobab Primary School so that the programme does not disturb learning and examination processes.
High ranking delegates from Namibia, and children from five of the countries had arrived yesterday, with the majority expected today and tomorrow.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister July Moyo, his Permanent Secretary Mr Simon Masanga, Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary Ms Sithandiwe Ncube plus officials from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education are already in Victoria Falls coordinating preparations for a successful event.
Proceedings will start this morning with a golf and chess tournament for children at Elephant Hills Golf Course and Mosi-oa-Tunya High School.
This will culminate in a prize giving ceremony for winners of the two tournaments at a dinner to be hosted by the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa this evening at Elephant Hills resort.
According to update reports at the preparatory meeting chaired by Minister Moyo yesterday, the golf and chess tournaments would start this morning with junior golfers teeing off and those playing chess also taking part.
There will also be about 200 non-golfers who will also be taken to the golf course so they learn the sport.
The main event will take place tomorrow where President Mnangagwa is expected to be joined by other Presidents or their representatives from the six SADC countries that are part of the programme.
Proceedings will start with a road march by children between 7am and 9am ahead of the main programme.
After the proceedings and lunch, a total of 570 children will be taken for a tour of the Victoria Falls Rainforest, a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site and one of the Natural Wonders of the World.
Transport, accommodation and feeding logistics for all the children have been arranged so that they enjoy their day.
Speaking at the meeting, Minister Moyo said he was impressed by the Whole of Government approach exhibited by ministries and departments, in partnership with UNICEF, which is co-hosting the event with Zimbabwe.
“We will assemble at the Elephant Hills where the First Lady and other delegates will participate at the children’s dinner. Some have started arriving so we will end the dinner early so that the children go and rest,” he said.
“On Saturday they will march from 7am so that they arrive at the venue by 9am. After the programme, 570 children are what we are going to cater for at the Rainforest.
“In the evening there will be a monumental lighting of the Flame of Hope on the ‘No Man’s Land’ on the Victoria Falls Bridge officiated by Vice President General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga. That is the broad outline of the programme,” said Minister Moyo.
In an interview, Mr Masanga said all the children arrived yesterday from Zimbabwe’s provinces, except for those from Matabeleland North, who are set to arrive today.
Matabeleland North will provide the bulk of the 7 470 children expected at the event.
“Children from Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, Malawi, Namibia and Mozambique have already arrived,” he said.
Botswana had about 40 children, the highest number compared to other countries.
Mr Masanga said the children will today take part in a golf tournament hosted by the First Lady, while some will take part in a chess tournament.
“In the evening, the First Lady will host dinner for more than 400 children at Elephant Hills Hotel. On Saturday, the President will host his counterparts,” he said.
According to the organising committee, 450 children come from the country’s nine provinces other than Matabeleland North who will provide 7 020. About 1 200 of these will come from the six Matabeleland North districts while 5 820 will come from Hwange District.
Online Reporter