Online Reporter
Mashudu Netsianda, [email protected]
THE Government has unveiled the theme for the 46th National Independence Celebrations, as preparations for the flagship national event scheduled for Maphisa Growth Point in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province, continue to gather momentum.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet briefing in Harare yesterday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, announced that this year’s celebrations will be held under the theme “Zim@46 – Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030.”
The theme dovetails with the Government’s broader national development agenda, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy by 2030 through inclusive growth, infrastructure development and social cohesion.
Dr Muswere said Cabinet received and noted a comprehensive progress update on preparations for both the main Independence Day celebrations and the 2026 Children’s Party, which is expected to attract more than 3 000 learners from across the country.
“Cabinet received and noted a progress update on preparations for the 46th Independence Day Anniversary Celebrations and the 2026 Children’s Party. Cabinet advises that the 46th Independence Celebrations and the 2026 Children’s Party will be held at Maphisa Growth Point in Matobo District of Matabeleland South Province under the theme ‘Zim@46-Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030,’” said Dr Muswere.
The Children’s Party will be hosted at Mahetshe Primary School, while the Independence Gala will take place at Minda Primary School, with the main celebrations expected to draw thousands of people from across the country.
Dr Muswere said the decision to host the celebrations in Maphisa reflects the Government’s decentralisation and rotational hosting policy, which seeks to ensure equitable development across all provinces.
“The decision to hold the 2026 Independence Day Anniversary Celebrations at Maphisa Growth Point resonates with the rotational principle of leaving no one and no place behind,” he said.
The minister added that the event will also honour the legacy of the late Vice President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, a founding father of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle who hailed from the district.
Beyond commemorations, the celebrations are expected to leave a lasting developmental footprint in the area, with the Government rolling out several infrastructure projects.
“The event will not only honour the legacy of the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo, who hailed from Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province, but will also bring about a surge in infrastructural projects, including rehabilitation of roads, schools and health facilities,” he said.
“The event will therefore serve as a catalyst for long-term development, social inclusion and national unity.”
The minister said preparations for the upcoming events commenced in October last year with Government teams mobilised to spearhead development initiatives, which include the rehabilitation and surfacing of three major access roads at Maphisa Growth Point and the gravelling of three more, to provide access to the Independence Celebrations Venue.
Other major roads earmarked for rehabilitation include the Bulawayo Airport Road, Bulawayo- Kezi, Bulawayo-Maphisa, Gwanda-Maphisa, Maphisa-Mphoengs, Maphisa-Sun Yet Sen, Sun Yet Sen-Manama, St Joseph-Sun Yet Sen, Filabusi-Avoca, Plumtree- Tsholotsho, Plumtree-Maitengwe and Ndolwane roads.
“Government has already worked out the programme and logistical arrangements for the Children’s Party and the main Celebrations, where a total of 3 050 learners are expected to participate,” said Dr Muswere.
He highlighted other legacy projects linked to the celebrations, including the memorialisation of key liberation war sites at Ratanyana and Zezani Mission, the Ratanyana Battle Sites, King Mzilikazi’s grave site, and the District Heroes Acre.
In honour of Dr Nkomo, the Government will also establish the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Vocational Training Centre, aimed at skills development and youth empowerment.
Additional initiatives include the installation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment at Mahetshe Secondary School and 50 other schools in the district, the establishment of a cultural centre, and the construction of a drug and substance abuse rehabilitation facility.
Dr Muswere said preparations have also begun for ceremonial activities, including the selection of 18 torch bearers who will participate in the lighting of the Independence Flame.
Entertainment arrangements are at an advanced stage, with groups such as Ufasimba – Home of Arts, Indonsakusa the Morning Star, Ndolwane Super Sounds, Mavusani, Chimurenga vocalists and Macrey Super Sounds already selected.
On the sporting front, Herentals Queens Football Club will face Mpopoma Sports Academy during the Children’s Party, while Scottland FC will take on Highlanders FC in an Independence Cup clash.
