Sundaymail Editor
Zimpapers Politics Hub
GOKWE DISTRICT has always had the misfortune of being perceived as an economic backwater and was often the butt of jokes of many cynics.
However, this perception belies the reality of an area that is the country’s biggest cotton producer.
In particular, Gokwe North, whose administrative centre is Nembudziya Growth Point, is endowed with vast mineral resources that can bring meaningful development to the area.
In it lies the huge Sengwa coal deposits, with proven ore reserves in excess of 525 million tonnes; and the scenic Gandavaroyi Falls, a potential tourist gem.
Nyaurungwe and Chirisa game parks are also located in the district.
Since the advent of the Second Republic, under President Mnangagwa, the district has immensely benefitted from various development programmes implemented under the renewed thrust of “leaving no one and no place behind”.
Using devolution funds, the Gokwe North Rural District Council has been spearheading multiple transformative projects.
Construction and rehabilitation of schools, roads, bridges, clinics and other social amenities have reached all the 36 wards in the district. In the Gokwe-Kabuyuni constituency, rehabilitation of Savara Dam in Siyamuchimbo Ward 31 is underway.
Roads in Kabuyuni and Simchembu, as well as the route linking the Kopa Business Centre with Burure Mission, which was impassable during the rainy season, are being rehabilitated.
Further, construction of Gunguhwe Bridge, which connects Gokwe North with Gokwe South, Mashonaland West and Matabeleland North provinces, is one of the major projects that have significantly benefitted the area.
The bridge was swept away in 2008.
Nembudziya Growth Point, a major centre, is also developing, with the construction of a modern Government complex and hospital among other key infrastructure projects.
However, the district would most likely hog the limelight for the historic and distinguished honour of hosting this year’s 45th main Independence Day celebrations.
Gokwe North will now have the opportunity to showcase its progress and potential.
In addition to fostering a sense of pride and renewed optimism within the community, the key event on the national calendar also provides an opportunity to attract investment.
History in the making
In line with the Second Republic’s thrust to decentralise Government events, and in keeping with this year’s theme “Zim@45: Devolve and Develop Together towards Vision 2030”, the main Independence Day celebrations are being held outside Harare for the fourth time since 1980.
In 2022, Bulawayo had the distinction of hosting the first main Independence Day celebrations outside the capital, followed by Mount Darwin in Mashonaland Central province in 2023 and then Murambinda in Manicaland province last year.
In his post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere indicated that preparations for the 2025 Independence Day Celebrations and Children’s Party were at an advanced stage.
Implementation of legacy projects is in full swing at the main arena at the Gokwe North open ground, the gala site at Nembudziya Government High School and the Children’s Party venue at Nyamuroro High School.
“In line with the thrust of the Second Republic to hold national events rotationally across the country’s provinces, the 45th Independence anniversary celebrations will be held on 18 April 2025 at the Nembudziya Growth Point open ground venue in Gokwe North,” said Minister Muswere.
“As per tradition, the Children’s Party will precede the main celebrations on 17 April at Nyamuroro High School, while the Independence Gala will be hosted at Nembudziya Government High School on the eve of 18 April 2025 . . .
“Government has taken steps to guarantee the supply of clean, safe and adequate drinking water through the drilling of 110 boreholes in Gokwe North and South districts, with three boreholes drilled at the venue sites.”
The Government has arranged over 369 buses to transport 60 000 delegates from all provinces to the venue.
Notably, 3 050 child delegates will be hosted by the First Family at Nyamuroro High School on the eve of the Uhuru celebrations.
These children are expected to arrive on April 15 and depart on April 19.
The traditional Torch Relay and the ceremonial lighting of the Independence Flame along its route to the main venue will be among the significant events preceding the celebrations.
The commemorations will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on Gokwe North.
President Mnangagwa’s drive to decentralise national events and devolve power are a manifestation of his belief in inclusive development.
All this feeds into the underlying objective of creating a modern, prosperous, empowered and highly industrialised country by 2030.
Online Reporter