Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub
AN air of excitement hangs at Maphisa Growth Point in Matobo District ahead of Zimbabwe’s 46th National Independence Day celebrations with major infrastructure development projects nearing completion as the flagship national event draws near.
The celebrations will be held in Matabeleland South Province for the first time since independence and is expected to see the whole of Government descending on to the district, something that communities are eagerly anticipating.
This year’s celebrations will run under the theme “Zim@46 — Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030,” aligning with Government’s thrust to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 through inclusive growth, infrastructure expansion and social cohesion.
The decentralisation of national events — a key feature of President Mnangagwa’s administration — has turned Maphisa into a hive of activity, with construction teams working around the clock to deliver lasting legacy projects.
At the centre of the preparations is the local stadium, venue of the main celebrations. When a Zimpapers news crew visited the site, construction crews were busy completing critical phases of the project.
Site engineer Sean Mukwamba said significant milestones have been reached.
“The changing rooms and ablution blocks have reached ring beam level, with roofing scheduled to begin next week. We have completed 100 percent of the subsurface drainage system, and lawn planting on the pitch is halfway done,” he said.
Concrete terraces are now being constructed while parking areas are being levelled simultaneously.
“Our team is working systematically across all fronts to meet deadlines and deliver a high-standard facility,” said Eng Mukwanda.
At Mahetshe Primary School, venue of the Children’s Party, three classroom blocks, ECD facilities, an administration block and an ICT laboratory are under construction.
Mahetshe Secondary School is also receiving a modern ICT centre, science laboratories and staff housing, with most structures at ring beam level.
Maphisa District Hospital is undergoing refurbishment, including upgrades to the School of Nursing and the VVIP Ward.
Road rehabilitation across the district is progressing, with gravelling works already underway on the Bulawayo-Maphisa Road to ensure smooth access for thousands of visitors expected on 18 April.
The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) has drilled boreholes and installed water tanks to guarantee adequate water supply for the event.
In addition, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry is constructing 10 traditional rondavels to provide heritage-themed accommodation for delegates — infrastructure that will remain as a permanent tourism asset for the district.
Matabeleland South Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mrs Latiso Dlamini-Maseko, expressed satisfaction with progress.
“With only 64 days to go, we have truly gained traction. While the initial pace was slow, the momentum is now undeniable,” she said during a weekly inspection.
“We have seen structures rise to window level within a month. Although road works started slowly, engineers have assured us that routes will be fully trafficable by the big day.”
Mrs Dlamini-Maseko described the transformation as a turning point for the province.
“We also visited Mahetshe Primary and Secondary schools, the sites for the Children’s Party, and the progress there is equally pleasing. We have seen structures rise to window level within a single month,” she said.
“Although road rehabilitation has been slower, the engineers have assured us that the routes will be fully trafficable by the big day. Maphisa is rising, and we invite everyone to come on April 18, to witness a transformed Matabeleland South.”
Local businesses are already experiencing a surge in activity.
Fast-food outlet owner Mrs Ellen Moyo said the influx of workers and officials has boosted trade.
“We are recording brisk business like never before. The preparations have breathed life into our local economy even before the celebrations begin,” she said.
Operations manager at Metro Properties, Mr Andy Gandidze, said the event has unlocked new opportunities, particularly in hospitality and rural tourism.
“We are training more than 50 local youths who will be deployed at our villas, which are now 90 percent complete. This is a development we are very proud of,” he said.
Young artisans are also benefiting. Local bricklayer Mthokozisi Moyo (25) said the construction works provided employment.
“This has opened many doors for us. Even after the celebrations, the skills we have gained will lead to more opportunities,” he said.
For many elderly community members, hosting Independence celebrations in Matobo is historic.
“I have only watched these celebrations on television since 1980. This will be my first time attending in person. These stadiums and laboratories will remain long after the celebrations are over,” said Mr Jameson Masuku (84).
Fellow villager, Mr Shadreck Ncube (77) described the infrastructure as a lasting legacy.
“This is the true meaning of Independence — bringing development to the village,” he said.
Youths such as Wilson Mhlanga (28) say exposure to engineers and architects working on site has inspired new career ambitions, while sports enthusiasts are looking forward to top-flight football matches expected to headline the festivities.
Mr Rocky Berman (35) expressed his excitement at the prospect of seeing football giants clash on local soil.
“I am thrilled that we will witness some of the country’s biggest teams, like Highlanders FC, playing against Scottland FC, right here in Maphisa. It is a historic moment for us sports fans,” he said.
Other legacy projects linked to the celebrations include the memorialisation of key liberation war sites at Ratanyana and Zezani Mission, the Ratanyana Battle Sites, King Mzilikazi’s grave site, and the District Heroes Acre.
In honour of Dr Nkomo, the Government will also establish the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Vocational Training Centre, aimed at skills development and youth empowerment.
Miss Nolwazi Sibanda (26) said the new Vocational Training Centre would equip youth with “life-saving skills.”
