From periphery to pride: Gokwe’s Uhuru hosting a victory for devolution

Adding to the excitement, the highlight of the celebrations will undoubtedly be the presence of Zimbabwe’s first citizen, President Mnangagwa, who will lead the momentous occasion. This visit provides an invaluable opportunity for the people of Gokwe to meet their esteemed leader and share in the collective joy and national pride that independence represents.

Gibson Mhaka-Zimpapers Politics Hub

GOKWE, a district often relegated to the periphery and, like Nazareth of biblical times, once dismissed with skepticism, is living true to the very spirit of devolution and President Mnangagwa’s unwavering philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind as it triumphantly hosts the nation’s 45th Independence anniversary.

Defying the naysayers, Gokwe seized its moment in the spotlight, showcasing not only its capacity to stage a national event but also its potential for growth and development, proving that, indeed, great things can emerge from unexpected places.

The resounding success of the preparations for the celebrations, marked by an outpouring of community pride and national unity, underscored the transformative power of inclusive development.

The celebrations are drawing enthusiastic attendees from all 10 provinces of Zimbabwe who have converged at Nembudziya Growth Point to commemorate the nation’s birth and its liberation from the shackles of colonialism.

The festivities will be further amplified by the Uhuru Gala, a spectacular showcase of Zimbabwean talent where the nation’s top artists will celebrate the country’s journey through song and dance, joined by the jubilant people in a vibrant display of national pride and unity.

For many residents of Gokwe, this year’s celebrations hold special significance. It is the first time in decades that the independence festivities will be held in their district, often overlooked, offering a unique opportunity to celebrate alongside fellow Zimbabweans and to witness the grandeur of the event firsthand.

This unified gathering will underscore the collective spirit of independence, as people from diverse backgrounds come together to celebrate their shared history and the freedoms hard-won. The atmosphere will be electric, a testament to the enduring significance of this milestone in Zimbabwe’s journey.

The celebrations are being held under the theme “Zim@45: Devolve and develop together towards Vision 2030.” This theme resonates deeply with the decentralisation efforts championed by the Second Republic, which saw the hosting of this significant national event in Gokwe.

Often historically referred to as a “backward” area, Gokwe’s selection as the host was a powerful statement in itself, embodying the principle of devolution by bringing national prominence and development to a region previously on the periphery.

Decentralising the national celebrations to Gokwe allows direct local participation and highlights the district’s potential, clearly reinforcing Zimbabwe’s commitment to devolution, nationwide development, and the goals of Vision 2030.

As Gokwe prepares to host the 45th Independence anniversary this Friday, the event itself embodies the national vision of devolution, a direct result of President Mnangagwa’s policy of rotating this key celebration across all provinces. This strategic move has not only brought the heart of the celebrations closer to various communities but has also served as a catalyst for development in previously overlooked areas, fostering a stronger sense of national belonging and shared progress.

In order to support the influx of people and provide lasting benefits, a number of key infrastructural projects have been completed. In his post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, told journalists that major preparatory works were almost complete, with significant infrastructural developments already transforming the outlook of the district.

He said the construction of the football stadium and other facilities has been completed. “Other key milestones include the completion of educational legacy projects at Nembudziya Government High School, Nyamuroro High School, Nyamuroro Primary School and Nyamuroro Vocational Training Centre. The completed projects include classroom blocks, ablution blocks, teachers’ houses, science laboratories, boreholes and facilities for School Business Units,” said Dr Muswere.

“The external ambience of the schools has been vastly transformed through re-painted walls, renovated buildings, and improved water and sanitation facilities,” he added. Dr Muswere said road networks in the Gokwe North and South districts, as well as the surrounding districts, have since been rehabilitated. These include the surfacing of Nembudziya Growth Point, re-gravelling and surfacing of portions of the Kadoma-Sanyati-Nembudziya Road, Gokwe Jahana Road and the Chakari, Hovani, Copper Queen and Jakani roads.

“Accessibility of the venue site from all major centres such as Gokwe Town, Chinhoyi, Binga, Kadoma and others has been enhanced. Other notable developments include the renovation of a mortuary at Nembudziya Hospital, installation and upgrading of 3G and 4G base stations; training of local communities in digital skills; refurbishment of computer laboratories and the establishment of a telemedicine clinic,” said Dr Muswere.

He said a total of 132 graves across heroes’ shrines in the Midlands Province are being adorned with concrete slabs. At the same time, the construction of a field museum and a memorial plinth at the former Sikombela Restriction Camp was completed. Other places of significance to the country’s Liberation Struggle, such as Connemara Prison and Mutapa Hall, have already been facelifted,” said Dr Muswere.

To improve water access, a total of 129 boreholes were drilled across the Gokwe districts, including seven at the venue itself. Public spaces received facelifts, buildings were renovated, and essential services were enhanced, all contributing to a visible transformation of the growth point.

In an interview from Nembudziya Growth Point, the venue for the Independence Day celebrations, where she was also assessing progress, Gokwe-Nembudziya Member of Parliament, Cde Flora Buka, said that while buses have been arranged to ferry people to the venue, the overwhelming response means that lorries will also be used to accommodate all those wishing to attend, including women, children and the elderly. She noted that the enthusiasm and readiness of the community are palpable.

The extensive infrastructural developments in Gokwe strongly indicate the Second Republic’s commitment to its devolution policy and the rotational hosting of independence celebrations.

In allocating resources to upgrade roads, healthcare facilities, schools, and water access in Gokwe, the Government is decentralising development and ensuring that the benefits of national events are distributed across different regions.

These developments also align with the Second Republic’s broader thrust of leaving no one and no place behind.

The focus on improving essential services such as healthcare, education, and water access demonstrates a dedication to addressing the needs of previously marginalised or underserved areas. This investment not only provided the necessary infrastructure for a successful event but also laid a foundation for future economic and social growth within the Gokwe community, embodying the spirit of building a better Zimbabwe for all.

The hosting of the independence celebrations in Gokwe serves as a powerful testament to President Mnangagwa’s vision of inclusivity and collective ownership.

The event’s impact extends far beyond a mere change of venue; it has catalysed significant infrastructural development, fostered community empowerment, and instilled a sense of national pride in a region that had often been marginalised.

For the people of Gokwe, it’s a moment to be seen, for their voices to be heard, and their value to Zimbabwe unequivocally affirmed.