Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa in Mutoko
There is excitement across Mutoko District where the Mashonaland East Provincial 46th Independence commemorations are going to be held.
Thousands are expected to converge at Chikondoma Stadium in Mutoko Centre on Saturday for the commemorations, joining the rest of Zimbabweans in the celebrations.
While national commemorations will be held in Maphisa, Matabeleland South Province, all other provinces will hold commemorations in their districts, with Mutoko District ready to host the independence festivities for Mashonaland East Province.
Mutoko residents are already excited about the celebrations, where various activities are lined up for the day.
Already, preparations are at an advanced stage for the Uhuru provincial celebrations. Mutoko South Member of Parliament and ZANU PF Youth chairman for Mashonaland East Cde Issac Tasikani, said the day is important to the people of Mutoko, a district which also played a crucial role during the liberation war.
Cde Tasikani called on the district to come out in their numbers for the important event.
“I am happy that we are hosting the Provincial Independence celebrations here in Mutoko and I want to call upon the whole district to come out in their numbers for these celebrations,” he said.
“We have arranged transport to carry anyone willing to join the loving people of Zimbabwe in celebrating the important work done by the sons and daughters in bringing freedom to this great nation.
“This is an important day for the people of Mutoko. We have peace in Zimbabwe and this peace is a result of the independence that we are enjoying as a people. As a nation, we are seeing a lot of developments happening across Zimbabwe and Mutoko District is included. There is development in Mutoko and this is only possible because there is peace in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is independent.
“This day is important to us as we honour those who fought oppression and brought in freedom, we want to salute them for their sacrifice.”
A Mutoko resident, Mr Moses Magora, said Independence Day is important to them as they celebrate the sacrifices of all those who contributed to free Zimbabwe.
“We are so happy here in Mutoko and we have been waiting for this day. Now that everything is in place for the celebrations, nothing will stop us from attending the event,” he said.
“This day is important to us as Zimbabweans as we are now enjoying freedom, which was brought by freedom fighters.
“This freedom has seen the people of Zimbabwe contributing immensely to the development of the nation. So we are happy as Mutoko to be hosting this provincial event.”
Mr George Mufema weighed in saying the freedom that is being enjoyed in Zimbabwe today came at a cost.
“Mutoko District, just like any other district across Zimbabwe, is enjoying the freedom that was brought through war. Fighting oppressors was no easy task, and as the people of Mutoko, we are thanking everyone who made sacrifices for this nation to be free,” he said.
“So I am calling on the people of Mutoko to come out in their numbers for these celebrations.”
Ms Pedzisai Diningo said that as women, living in an independent and peaceful environment has enabled them to be empowered.
“We are empowered as women in Mutoko. We have everything to celebrate this day as the people of Mutoko, and we are happy.
“Thank you, authorities, for ensuring that Mutoko District is hosting these provincial celebrations.”
Peter Tanyanyiwa