Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, [email protected]
THE symbolic Independence Flame, which arrived in Matabeleland South Province yesterday, has officially marked the countdown to this year’s 46th Independence Day celebrations to be hosted by the province in Maphisa.
The Eternal Flame of Independence, a revered symbol of the country’s liberation struggle, unity, resilience and enduring sovereignty, was ignited from the ever-burning flame at Kopje Hill in Harare yesterday morning before departing around 7 AM en route to Matabeleland South via Masvingo, Zvishavane, Mbalabala, Gwanda and Zezani.
National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) marketing manager, Mr Phineas Chauke, said the conveyance of the flame is meant to ensure that all communities participate in the national remembrance and celebration of the country’s independence.
“This year, as we take the Eternal Flame across Matabeleland South Province, we are inviting every community to partake in the remembrance of our nation’s hard-won independence and to celebrate our collective achievements,” he said.
The flame will be officially received in the province today at Zezani Assembly Point during a historic ceremony to be officiated by Vice President, Dr Constantino Chiwenga.
“The arrival of the Independence Flame in Zezani marks the first provincial lighting ceremony, a symbolic welcome into Matabeleland South,” said Mr Chauke.
From Zezani, the flame proceeds to Beitbridge District, where it will move through Beitbridge Town before parking overnight at Beitbridge Police Station.
On Saturday, the flame departs Beitbridge Police Station at 8AM, moving into town via the Beitbridge Municipality offices, Old Border and Mbedzi suburb before proceeding to Lutumba Business Centre, where it is expected at 11 AM.
It will then travel to Malala Business Centre, arriving at 2PM before departing at 3PM for Gwanda Town, where it will park overnight at Gwanda Police Station.
“The flame’s journey ensures that all corners of the province are touched, reminding us of the sacrifices of those who fought for our freedom,” said Mr Chauke.
On Sunday, the flame will depart Gwanda Police Station at 6AM for Manama Mission, where it is expected at 9AM, before returning to Gwanda Town.
It will also visit Choppies Phakama Business Centre at 3PM and Zebrine Complex in the central business district at 4 PM.
On Monday, the flame proceeds to Insiza District, departing Gwanda at 6.30AM and passing through Bekeza and Mathabis Business Centres before arriving at Avoca Business Centre at 9AM.
It will then move to Silalatshani Business Centre at 11AM and Filabusi Town at midday, before proceeding to Scooter Business Centre via Nkankezi, Mahole and Khayanyama business centres.
On Tuesday, the flame travels through Umzingwane District, arriving at Sezhube Business Centre at 9AM, Mbalabala Business Centre at 10AM, Mawabeni Business Centre at 10.45 AM and Habane suburb at 11.45 AM.
It will later be taken to Ntabende Business Centre at 1.20PM before proceeding to Plumtree Town for an overnight stay at Plumtree Police Station.
The journey continues on Wednesday through Bulilima and Mangwe districts, with the flame departing Plumtree at 6AM for Masendu and Madlambudzi Business Centres. It will proceed to Plumtree Town Council at 1PM, Tshitshi Business Centre at 2.30PM and Drunateg Business Centre at 3.45 PM before a sleepover at Mphoengs Police Station.
On Thursday, the flame enters Matobo District, arriving at St Joseph’s Business Centre at 9AM, Nyongolo Business Centre at 10.20 PM, Maphisa Business Centre at 11.15AM, Kezi Business Centre shortly after midday and Natisa Business Centre at 2 PM.
It will also visit Chapo Business Centre at 3.30 PM before returning to Kezi Police Station for the night.
The second provincial lighting ceremony will be held on Friday at Ratanyana in Kezi, where Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi will officiate.
The programme will culminate on Saturday with the Independence Flame Run by the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture to Maphisa Stadium, leading into the main Independence celebrations, where President Mnangagwa will light the Eternal Flame.
Critical infrastructure at the main venue, including the football pitch, terracing, drainage systems, ablution facilities and perimeter works, is already in place ahead of the national event.
In Maphisa, a modern multi-purpose stadium has rapidly emerged from what was previously undeveloped bushland. Extensive earthworks, bulk excavation and ground levelling have transformed the uneven, hilly terrain into a standardised pitch complete with a surrounding track.
The venue will accommodate at least 5,000 people on terraces, with additional capacity expected through tented extensions. Key support infrastructure such as parking bays, changing rooms, VIP facilities and full perimeter fencing has already been completed.
This year’s hosting of the national commemorations in Matabeleland South reflects the Government’s deliberate decentralisation policy under the Second Republic, which rotates major national events across provinces to accelerate infrastructure development and stimulate local economic activity in historically marginalised areas.
Mr Chauke said the flame equipment will return to Harare on Sunday.
“The Eternal Flame serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the gallant sons and daughters of Zimbabwe who fought for our freedom. We urge members of the public to attend and participate in the various ceremonies along the route to honour the legacy of the liberation struggle and celebrate our nation’s achievements,” he said.
