Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub
DESPITE being celebrated as Zimbabwe’s “white gold” hub, Gokwe District in the Midlands Province has a long and tragic history of being described as backward and out of touch with the latest developments.
However, this perception belies the reality, especially in Gokwe North, with Nembudziya Growth Point as its administrative centre. This area possesses abundant resources capable of transforming the district’s fortunes.
Sharing boundaries with Gokwe South and several districts in Mashonaland West Province, Gokwe North is endowed with vast mineral resources that can bring meaningful development to the area.
Gokwe North boasts Sengwa, home to significant coal deposits, and the scenic Gandavaroyi Falls, which holds potential for tourism development. Additionally, Nyaurungwe and Chirisa game parks are located within the district.
These areas all possess the potential to drive Gokwe’s development. Gokwe North is also rich in other scenic areas and minerals and practically it sits on top of gold deposits.
However, since the advent of the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa’s stewardship, the district has benefitted from development programmes implemented in line with the “leaving no one and no place behind” national development thrust.
Notably, Gokwe North Rural District Council has utilised devolution funds to implement a number of projects, which are at various stages of completion.
Devolution funds are significantly transforming Gokwe North, which has historically lagged behind in development.
Construction and rehabilitation of schools, roads, bridges, clinics and other social amenities are progressing across all 36 wards in Gokwe North.
For example, in the Gokwe-Kabuyuni constituency, rehabilitation of Savara Dam in Siyamuchimbo Ward 31 is underway. Roads in Kabuyuni and Simchembu, as well as the road linking Kopa Business Centre with Burure Mission, which was impassable during the rainy season, are also being rehabilitated.
The district has also benefitted from the construction of Gunguhwe Bridge, which connects Gokwe North with Gokwe South, Mashonaland West and Matabeleland North. This bridge, swept away in 2008, was rehabilitated after the Second Republic came into power.
Nembudziya Growth Point, a major centre in the area, is also developing, with the construction of a state-of-the-art Government complex and hospital, among other key infrastructure projects.
Despite the ongoing development initiatives, Gokwe North has truly been put into the national spotlight by hosting this year’s 45th Independence Day celebrations.
This momentous occasion is of immense importance to a district historically regarded as backward.
By serving as the central stage for such a significant national event, Gokwe North is demonstrating its progress and potential, challenging long-held perceptions.
This move not only showcases the district’s capacity for hosting large-scale events but also brings the much-needed attention to its developmental strides, fostering a sense of pride and renewed optimism within the community.
Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to attract investment and further accelerate the district’s growth, signalling a turning point in Gokwe North’s journey towards prosperity.
In keeping with President Mnangagwa’s campaign promise to leave no one and no place behind, the main independence celebrations are being held outside Harare for the fourth time since 1980.
Bulawayo was the first city to host the Independence Day celebrations in 2022, 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, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere announced that preparations for the 2025 Independence Day Celebrations and Children’s Party to be held at Nembudziya Growth Point in Gokwe North, are at an advanced stage.
He also stated that construction of legacy projects is in full swing at the Main Arena at Gokwe North Open Grounds, 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 18th April 2025 at the Nembudziya Growth Point Open Ground Venue in Gokwe North.
“As per tradition, the Children’s Party will precede the main celebrations on 17th April at Nyamuroro High School, while the Independence Gala will be hosted at Nembudziya Government High School on the eve of 18th April 2025,” said Minister Muswere.
He said running under the theme, “Zim@ 45: Devolve and Develop Together towards Vision 2030,” the celebrations are poised to attract 60 000 people drawn from all the 10 provinces of Zimbabwe.
“Preparatory works are all at an advanced stage and progressing well, with the construction of legacy projects in full swing at the Main Arena at Gokwe North Open Grounds the Gala site at Nembudziya Government High School and the venue of the Children’s Party at Nyamuroro High School.
“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,” said Dr Muswere.
He said as per tradition, the Children’s Party will precede the main celebrations.
The Independence Gala will be hosted at Nembudziya Government High School on the eve of April 18.
He further stated that the Government has arranged over 369 buses for the equitable transportation of delegates to the venue sites across all provinces. Notably, 3 050 child delegates will be hosted by the First Family at Nyamuroro High School on 17 April.
These children are expected to arrive on 15 April and depart on 19 April.
Dr Muswere also mentioned that 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.
Hosting an anticipated 60 000 delegates from all 10 provinces of Zimbabwe, the district is poised to attract significant attention.
This influx of visitors will not only showcase the district’s capacity to host large-scale events but also provide a platform to showcase its tourism potential, including its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and growing infrastructure.
This event will indelibly mark Gokwe North’s transition from a perceived backwater to a vibrant and visible part of the nation fostering a renewed sense of pride and attracting future investment.
Despite the Independence Day celebrations spotlighting the district’s rise, it’s important to note that the decentralisation of national events testifies to President Mnangagwa’s administration breaking from tradition and aiming to include every Zimbabwean in national development.
The decentralisation of Government activities demonstrates President Mnangagwa’s genuine consideration of the devolution concept.
It is well known that President Mnangagwa’s administration has been aggressively pushing the devolution agenda in an effort to decentralise economic activities across the country.
The administration of President Mnangagwa is intensifying its efforts to transform previously underprivileged places into prosperous ones that can financially support the development of the nation. As a result of the on-going devolution process and the national master plan, previously marginalised areas are being given due importance in national developmental programmes.
