Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka-Zimpapers Politics Hub
PREPARATIONS for Zimbabwe’s 46th Independence Day celebrations are gathering momentum in Maphisa, Matobo district, with major infrastructure projects nearing completion, as the Government accelerates work to deliver both a successful national event and lasting legacy developments for the area.
This year’s commemorations, running under the theme “Zim@46 — Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030”, align with the Government’s broader agenda of promoting inclusive growth, infrastructure expansion and social cohesion as Zimbabwe moves towards upper middle-income status by 2030.
The decentralisation of national events — a key feature of President Mnangagwa’s administration — has transformed Maphisa into a hive of activity, with construction teams working around the clock on multiple projects designed to uplift local infrastructure beyond the celebrations.
At the centre of the preparations is the local stadium, which will host the main Independence Day ceremony.
When a Zimpapers news crew visited the site, workers were completing critical phases of construction.
Site engineer Sean Mukwamba said significant milestones had already been achieved.
“The changing rooms and ablution blocks have reached ring-beam level, with roofing scheduled to begin next week. We have completed 100 percent of the subsurface drainage system, and lawn planting on the pitch is halfway done,” he said.
Concrete terraces are currently being constructed, while parking areas are being levelled.
“Our team is working systematically across all fronts to meet deadlines and deliver a high-standard facility,” said Eng Mukwamba.
Preparations are also underway at Mahetshe Primary School, which will host the Children’s Party.
Three classroom blocks, early childhood development (ECD) facilities, an administration block and an ICT laboratory are under construction.
Nearby Mahetshe Secondary School is receiving a modern ICT centre, science laboratories and new staff housing, with most structures already at ring-beam level.
Health infrastructure is also benefiting from the initiative, with Maphisa District Hospital undergoing refurbishment, including upgrades to the School of Nursing and the VVIP ward.
Road rehabilitation across the district is progressing, with gravelling works underway on the Bulawayo–Maphisa Road to ensure smooth access for thousands of visitors expected on April 18.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority has drilled boreholes and installed water tanks to guarantee adequate water supply during and after the celebrations.
Matabeleland South Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mrs Latiso Dlamini-Maseko expressed satisfaction with progress during a weekly inspection of the projects.
“With only 64 days to go, we have truly gained traction. While the initial pace was slow, the momentum is now undeniable,” she said.
“We have seen structures rise to window level within a month, and engineers have assured us that road rehabilitation works will ensure routes are fully trafficable by the big day.”
Mrs Dlamini-Maseko described the ongoing works as a turning point for the province, adding that the infrastructure upgrades would leave a lasting development legacy.
“We also visited Mahetshe Primary and Secondary schools, the sites for the Children’s Party, and the progress there is equally pleasing. We have seen structures rise to window level within a single month,” she said.
“Although road rehabilitation has been slower, the engineers have assured us that the routes will be fully trafficable by the big day. Maphisa is rising, and we invite everyone to come on April 18, to witness a transformed Matabeleland South.”
Local businesses are already reporting increased activity linked to the preparations.
Fast-food outlet owner Mrs Ellen Moyo said the influx of workers and officials had boosted trade.
“We are recording brisk business like never before. The preparations have breathed life into our local economy even before the celebrations begin,” she said.
