Final countdown to Maphisa

MAPHISA is set to come alive this Saturday as the nation gathers in Matobo District for this year’s Independence Day celebrations, with preparations now 98 percent complete and all systems in place for a colourful and historic event.

Teams on the ground were working tirelessly yesterday, putting the finishing touches to the venue, with final clean-up operations and the removal of construction debris, signalling near-total readiness for one of the country’s most significant national occasions.

President Mnangagwa will preside over the celebrations under the theme: “Zim@46 – Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030”, a theme that is both reflective and forward-looking, deliberately linking the country’s liberation legacy to Zimbabwe’s contemporary development trajectory and aspirations anchored on Vision 2030.

The hosting of the national event in Matobo District, home to the National Hero and late Vice President Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, fulfils President Mnangagwa’s directive to decentralise national events in line with the devolution agenda, as well as his commitment to ensuring equitable development across all regions of the country.

The move has already catalysed the rollout of major legacy development projects across the seven districts of Matabeleland South, projects expected to leave a lasting impact on community livelihoods while fostering a renewed sense of national pride.

More than 50,000 people are expected to converge at the venue for the commemorations, which remain a cornerstone of national identity, bringing together citizens from across the country to celebrate independence, unity and progress.

In an interview at the newly constructed Maphisa Stadium — the main venue for the celebrations — site manager Engineer Sean Mukwamba said preparations were in their final phase, with teams working around the clock to ensure everything is in place ahead of Saturday.

“In terms of preparations for the celebrations on Saturday, we are 98 percent done. The remaining two percent mainly involves cleaning up the site and clearing debris. All major infrastructure is already in place, and we are confident that everything will be ready in time,” said Eng Mukwamba.

He said the pitching of tents for both VIP guests and members of the public had been completed, ensuring adequate shelter and seating for the thousands expected to attend.

“Ablution facilities are already on site and fully functional. What remains are a few electrical installations, which our teams are currently finalising. These will be completed well ahead of the event,” he said.

Eng Mukwamba added that special attention had been given to ensuring an uninterrupted power supply throughout the celebrations.

“For electricity, we have put in place multiple redundancy systems. Besides the main power supply, we have about three generators on standby to guarantee continuous power in the event of any outages.

“This ensures that all proceedings, including sound systems and live broadcasts, will run smoothly,” he said.
Water provision has also been comprehensively addressed, with infrastructure designed to meet both utility and consumption needs at the venue.

A total of six 20,000-litre tanks have been installed to support irrigation, while three additional 20,000-litre tanks are dedicated to maintaining the stadium turf in optimal condition.

Furthermore, 15 drinking water points have been strategically positioned across the venue to ensure easy access for attendees.

“All water infrastructure has been installed by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa), and we are satisfied with the supply systems that are now in place,” said Eng Mukwamba.

Beyond infrastructure, security and entertainment preparations are also well advanced. Members of the Zimbabwe security services were seen conducting rehearsals at the venue, fine-tuning drills and displays that will form part of the day’s programme.

The performances are expected to add colour and excitement to the celebrations, showcasing discipline, coordination and national pride.

Traditional dance groups, schoolchildren and various cultural ensembles are also expected to take part in the festivities, highlighting Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage and diversity.

Local authorities and Government departments have been working in close coordination to ensure that all logistical aspects — including traffic management, health services and crowd control — are efficiently handled. Emergency response teams, including medical personnel and fire services, will be on standby throughout the event to guarantee the safety and well-being of attendees.

The hosting of the main Independence celebrations in Maphisa is expected to stimulate significant economic activity in the area, with local businesses, transport operators and vendors set to benefit from the influx of visitors.

At Mahetshe Secondary School, three teachers’ cottages set to accommodate six families are awaiting roofing, while an administration block has already been roofed and plastered.

Meanwhile, speaking after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting in Harare, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said Cabinet adopted a report by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe on preparations for the Independence, Children’s Party and legacy construction projects in Matabeleland South, on behalf of Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi who chairs the Cabinet Committee on State Occasions and National Monuments.

Said Dr Soda: “Preparations for the 2026 Independence Day Celebrations, the Children’s Party, and legacy infrastructure projects are well advanced, with most expected to be completed prior to the celebrations.

“Key construction activities at the main arena, the stadium and access roads are on schedule to be completed by April 15. The construction of major access roads, including Bulawayo-Maphisa and Gwanda-Maphisa, is ongoing and targeted for completion by August 2026.”

Dr Soda said in the interim, measures would be taken to ensure those roads are trafficable and detours are closed in time for the event. Grading is being done.

“Repairs to stormwater drainage, grading and gravelling are underway on other major roads, including Maphisa-Mphoengs, Sun Yet Sen-Manama, and St Joseph-Sun Yet Sen, as part of ongoing maintenance works to improve access to the celebrations venue,” he said.

Dr Soda said the Children’s Party, to be held on the eve of Independence Day, will draw several thousand children.
The Children’s Party will be held on April 17 at Mahetshe Primary School, with 3,050 child delegates participating.
President Mnangagwa will host the event.

Dr Soda also said the Independence Torch relay will be presented on April 17 to VP Mohadi.
The Independence Torch relay started on April 10, with the Lighting of the Flame at Zezane Assembly Point in Matabeleland South, which was officiated by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga.

The torch is being conveyed through districts in the province and will be received at Ratanyana Liberation Site on April 17 by VP Mohadi.

It will then proceed to Maphisa, where athletes will hand it over to His Excellency the President on Independence Day.

“Logistical arrangements, including transport, food, security, invitations and media are in place. Power supplies were established and several previously stalled projects have been completed, including the JMN Nkomo Polytechnic Home Economics Block at Gwanda Polytechnic, renovation of 34 Government properties, the Beitbridge Re-development Housing Project, the Insiza District Civil Registry and Kezi Rural Hospital rehabilitation,” Dr Soda said.
As part of the preparations, Government has since put in place an emergency services plan to ensure seamless and incident-free commemorations.

The plan includes the deployment of six ambulances, five fire tenders, two helicopters, on-site first aid and designated emergency hospital wards.

The near completion of preparations highlights the Government’s commitment to delivering a well-organised and inclusive Independence Day celebration that honours the country’s past while embracing its future.