Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube and Joseph Madzimure
ZIMBABWE is ramping up investment in health, education and social protection, while accelerating technological innovation and industrialisation to drive inclusive development as the nation marks 46 years of independence, President Mnangagwa has said.
The President made the remarks on Saturday while addressing thousands of people drawn from the country’s 10 provinces who gathered at Maphisa Stadium in Matabeleland South Province to commemorate the 46th National Independence celebrations.
“Significant strides are being made towards ensuring that our 46 years of independence are in tandem with technological advancements. Robust and forward-looking innovation and industrial ecosystems are evident across the economy. These incorporate transformational science and technology projects as well as research and development initiatives. We are enjoying products out of the innovation hubs dotted across the country,” said President Mnangagwa.
Under the Second Republic, Government is prioritising the expansion of quality public services, particularly in rural communities, in line with the national Vision 2030 agenda. This thrust has inspired the implementation of programmes aimed at improving household incomes and transforming rural livelihoods, including the Rural Development 8.0 Model, which incorporates Village Business Units and School Agriculture Business Units.
“The Rural Development 8.0 Model, that includes the Village Business Units and Schools’ Agriculture Business Units are transforming rural livelihoods, leaving no one and no place behind,” said President Mnangagwa.
He said the initiatives were improving household incomes, enhancing quality of life and accelerating rural industrialisation through sustainable agriculture value chains. President Mnangagwa also highlighted the success of the Presidential Household Tick Grease Management Scheme, saying it had reduced cattle deaths from January Disease by over 60 percent, thereby protecting rural livelihoods and strengthening the livestock sector.
On education, the President said Government was scaling up technical and vocational education and training as part of efforts to empower young people with practical skills for meaningful economic participation.
“Technical as well as vocational education and skills training are being scaled up, as a critical pathway for youth empowerment and development. To this end, the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Vocational Training and Youth Service Training Centre, are being constructed at Nyongolo Village, here in Matobo District,” he said.
Government is also implementing targeted empowerment programmes in provinces such as Matabeleland South to address socio-economic challenges, including cross border migration, by creating local economic opportunities.
“To reverse the trend, deliberate empowerment initiatives, including Village Business Units, such as the Sekusile Makorokoro Business Unit, will continue to be established to improve household incomes and livelihoods,” said President Mnangagwa.
He commended small and medium enterprises, particularly those led by women and youths, for their contribution to employment creation and overall economic development.
Several initiatives to modernise national infrastructure are underway, with various projects already completed. This, President Mnangagwa said, is expected to open up economic development corridors, build local capacities and create more employment opportunities.
“Roads are an economy. As such, road construction, routine rehabilitation and maintenance have been rolled out, following the aftermath of flooding and associated destruction of our road network,” he said.
Other projects set to be accelerated include the construction of traffic interchanges and the upgrading of border posts. “A notable milestone under this initiative has been the installation of e-gates at Beitbridge Border Post, in Matabeleland South Province. This allows for faster, convenient and automated clearance of travellers, reducing congestion and facilitating efficient regional trade.”
On tourism, President Mnangagwa said the sector continued to register unprecedented growth, recording a 10 percent annual increase, generating US$1,3 billion in receipts and attracting US$194 million in investments in 2025.
A National Action Plan for Children is already being rolled out to improve access to inclusive social services such as education and healthcare, while also protecting children from violence and exclusion.
This is expected to enhance access to basic social services, including education and health, as well as end violence against children, the President said.
In the health sector, President Mnangagwa said Government was committed to establishing modern and well equipped health institutions throughout the country to improve access to quality healthcare services.
“My Administration is committed to the establishment of modern, and well stocked health facilities throughout the country,” he said.
Under independence legacy projects, Matobo District has already benefited from the refurbishment of Maphisa District Hospital and Kezi Rural Hospital, while the procurement of diagnostic equipment is expected to improve healthcare delivery for surrounding communities.
President Mnangagwa also revealed that Government was prioritising the recruitment, training and retention of skilled health professionals to strengthen service delivery.
“We are developing a stronger health workforce through the recruitment, training and retention of skilled personnel,” he said.
As part of these efforts, Government is fast tracking the reopening of the Primary Care Nurse Training School at Maphisa District Hospital to bolster the healthcare workforce.
Furthermore, President Mnangagwa said Government had made notable progress in improving access to housing, with over 800 000 housing units delivered under the National Development Strategy through public private partnerships.
“On the housing front, I applaud stakeholders in the real estate sector for achievements we have made under the National Development Strategy, where over 800 000 housing units were availed by both public and private sector players,” said the President.
He added that Government was working towards establishing resilient and inclusive settlements in both communal and resettlement areas, supported by Presidential Title Deeds and settlement regularisation programmes to enhance security of tenure.
Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa highlighted efforts to improve access to information, noting that the expansion of broadcasting services was playing a key role in keeping citizens informed, educated and entertained.
He said the installation of a Radio Zimbabwe FM transmitter in Plumtree and the licensing of Bayethe Community Radio Station in Maphisa were major milestones in improving communication services in Matabeleland South.
“The widening of broadcasting services is an important pillar for keeping our citizens informed, educated and entertained,” he said.
The commemorations were attended by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Cde Kembo Mohadi, Cabinet Ministers, Service Chiefs, traditional leaders and senior Government officials.
