Online Reporter
Welcome to our live coverage of Zimbabwe’s Independence Day celebrations!
Today, we honour the resilience and spirit of a nation that gained its freedom on April 18, 1980.
Join us as we bring you vibrant festivities from Gokwe, Nembudziya, where the national celebrations are taking place, showcasing various performances, speeches from dignitaries, and the joyous atmosphere that fills the air.
From parades in Gokwe to local gatherings in various provinces, we will highlight the unity and pride of Zimbabweans as they reflect on their journey towards independence.
Stay tuned for live updates, interviews, and a glimpse into the heart of this significant national holiday!
Hordes trickling in for main Independence celebrations
The rains that began last night started easing early this morning, with hordes of people trickling into Mutora Open Grounds at Nembudziya Growth Point in Gokwe for the main Independence Celebrations.
It is also brisk business in the area. By 6 am, vendors were already setting up stalls, wiping down surfaces, and preparing hot food on their grills.
Security personnel are manning entry points and conducting routine checks.
The atmosphere on the ground signals rising anticipation.
The Independence celebrations are being held at Nembudziya about 70km from Gokwe Centre, but local business people like Stanley “Chicago” Manyiwa, are enjoying the benefits.
Bulawayo gears up for 45th Independence Day celebrations
IT’S a drizzling morning in Bulawayo, with overcast clouds, as the city prepares to celebrate the country’s 45th independence, which also coincides with the start of the Easter weekend.
On this day, Jesus Christ shed blood as he was crucified to cleanse the world of its sins and bring peace.
For Zimbabwe, its sons and daughters took up arms to fight the brutal colonial regime and during the armed conflict, blood was shed, lives were lost, as brave sons and daughters of the soil were eager to cleanse the country of the evil leadership and bring peace by allowing the majority black to rule themselves.
It was a bloody and brutal war, but 45 years ago, the Union Jack was lowered at a packed Rufaro Stadium in Harare, giving birth to a new and free country called Zimbabwe.
The Bulawayo provincial Independence celebrations are set for the sentimental White City Stadium, a stone’s throw away from Father Zimbabwe, the late Vice President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo’s Pelandaba House.
The day’s programme was initially set to kick off with a procession led by drum majorettes from D Square near Mpopoma High School along Nketa Drive to the main venue, but weather conditions may have forced organizers to cancel the procession.
Weather reports indicate that the day will be overcast for the better part, with a 20 percent chance of intermittent showers.
Long queues leading to the Mutora Open Grounds at Nembudziya Growth Point in Gokwe for the main Independence Celebrations.
Zimbabweans converge in Gokwe for Uhuru celebrations
Scenes at the Uhuru Celebrations at Mutora Open Grounds
Mutora Grounds buzzes with energy
Momentum is now high at Mutora Grounds, Nembudziya Growth Point in Gokwe, where the main Independence Day celebrations are underway.
Crowds continue to swell as people from across the country arrive in numbers.
Music, dance, and vibrant displays of national pride are adding to the electric atmosphere.
Festivities are in full swing.
Chief Chireya, from the host district, speaks on the benefits that have been brought by hosting the main Independence Celebrations.
Vapostori and MaZion for Economic Development speaks on the Independence Celebrations
NCA leader Professor Lovemore Madhuku shares his insights on the Independence Celebrations
LEAD president Linda Masarira praises the Second Republic for rotating hosting of national events.
Mat South provincial Independence Day celebrations get underway
THE people of Matabeleland South Province have started to gather at Plumtree High School grounds for the commemoration of the provincial Independence Day celebrations.
This marks a shift from its traditional venue in Gwanda, the provincial capital, after the adoption of a rotational system in line with President Mnangagwa’s decentralisation policy.
Entertainment is set to be provided by Sotja Moyo who leads the Black Umfolosi group.
Manicaland converges in Chimanimani for Uhuru celebrations
Hundreds of people have braved the chilly and rainy weather to gather at Nedziwa High School in Chimanimani for Manicaland’s provincial Independence celebrations.
Pupils from various schools are providing entertainment in form of poems, drama, and dancing.
The Mozambique delegation, led by State Secretary of Manica Province, Professor Lourenco Mateus Lindondo, has just arrived.
They were welcomed by wild cheers from the crowd.
Zimbabwe and Mozambique have a cordial relationship dating back to the days of the liberation struggle.
Some of the officials attending the celebrations in Gokwe
Uniformed forces march
Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Amai Chiwenga have arrived.
President, First Lady arrive
President Mnangagwa and First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa have arrived for the main independence celebrations at Mutora Open Grounds in Gokwe.
The National Anthem has been sung and the President is now proceeding to inspect the Parade that has been mounted by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
Fly-past cancelled due to bad weather
The traditional fly-past by the Air Force of Zimbabwe has been cancelled due to bad weather.
A flypast is a flight by a group of aircraft in a special formation which takes place during the singing of the National Anthem at national events.
Nembudziya has been experiencing rainy weather since last night.
President inspects guard of honour
Understanding the military guard of honour
President Mnangagwa received wild cheers as he inspected the guard of honour mounted by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
The significance of the guard of honour, when inspected by the Head of State, lies in several key aspects:
Highest form of respect: It is a formal, traditional military ceremony signifying the highest honour and respect being accorded to the President by the nation’s armed forces.
Symbol of State authority: The President, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, inspects the guard, reinforcing his position as the Head of State and his authority over the military establishment.
Showcase of military discipline and readiness: The precise drill, immaculate uniforms, and coordinated movements of the guard demonstrate the discipline, professionalism, and readiness of the country’s military forces.
National sovereignty and pride: Especially during Independence Day celebrations, the guard of honour symbolises the nation’s sovereignty, the strength of its institutions, and pride in its independence. It serves as a reminder of the disciplined forces that protect that sovereignty.
Ceremonial importance: It marks the formal commencement of the State occasion, lending gravity and solemnity to the event.
In essence, President Mnangagwa inspecting the guard of honour is a powerful visual representation of the state’s respect for its leader, the President’s authority, the military’s loyalty and discipline, and the overall sovereignty and pride of the nation on its Independence Day.
Veterans of the Liberation struggle follow proceedings in Gokwe
President Mnangagwa lights the Independence Flame
President Mnangagwa has lit the flame of Independence at the ongoing Uhuru celebrations at Mutora Open Grounds in Nembudziya, Gokwe.
Lighting the flame of Independence holds great significance in Zimbabwe’s Independence Day celebrations.
This symbolic act represents the country’s continued freedom and sovereignty.
By lighting the flame, President Mnangagwa acknowledges the sacrifices made by Zimbabwe’s heroes and heroines who fought for independence.
The flame also serves as a reminder of the country’s history and its journey towards self-rule.
It is a beacon of hope and unity, inspiring future generations to work towards a brighter future.
Zimbabwe Sables’ captain Hilton Mudariki presented the flame to President Mnangagwa.
Harare converges in Epworth for provincial celebrations
Harare provincial Independence celebrations have started at Epworth High School, with the capital city’s residents coming out in their numbers for the commemorations.
The Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Charles Tavengwa is the guest of honour.
Also in attendance is Zimbabwe National Army Colonel Jones Makuyana, Manyame Airbase Commander, Air Commodore Ernest Matsambira, ZRP Harare provincial commander, Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru, and ZPCS Officer Commanding Harare Metropolitan Province, Commissioner Charity Gezi.
Various groups are providing entertainment, including Kapfupi and the police band.
Other groups providing entertainment include the Chitepo National War Veterans’ Choir, Elysium Magna dance theater, and T n T Brothers dance group.
Harare Police Band performs during the Independence Celebrations at Epworth High School.
Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Senator Charles Tawengwa deliver the Independence speech on behalf of President Mnangagwa at Epworth High School
Independence Flame, more than just a fire
The lighting of the Independence Flame remains a powerful symbol of the nation’s history and resilience.
It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless Zimbabweans who fought for freedom and justice.
The event is not only a symbol of national pride but also an opportunity for reflection on the progress made, the challenges that remain, and the vision for a brighter future.
Once lit, the fire burns throughout the day and night, symbolising the enduring nature of the country’s independence and the nation’s commitment to uphold its freedom and sovereignty.
As the flame flickers in the heart of every Zimbabwean, it is a lasting testament to our resilience as a nation.
War vets reaping rewards from fighting for Zimbabwe’s Independence
War veterans have expressed satisfaction over the Second Republic’s growing recognition of war veterans.
“As war veterans, we are happy that we are now receiving the recognition we deserve,” Zanu PF Secretary for War Veterans, Ex-Political Prisoners, Detainees, and Restrictees, Cde Douglas Mahiya has said.
“This year is very special as it comes after the launch of the Presidential War Veterans Fund, which is meant to address our welfare issues.”
Cde Mahiya said significant strides have been made in recognising war veterans, including constructing houses for them.
“All we wished for during the past 45 years is now being fulfilled – houses are being built and we are being empowered,” he said.
Cde Mahiya said the country is on the right political and economic path under President Mnangagwa’s leadership.
Mash West converges at Uhuru Nakazi
Whether by design or coincidence, the venue of the 45th Independence celebrations in Mashonaland West Province is Uhuru Nakazi.
Uhuru is Swahili for freedom, while Nakazi means work.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Marian Chombo is delivering the President’s speech.
Chegutu West legislator, Cde Webster Shamu said everyone needs to work hard for the sake of progress.
“The name of our venue is significant in that it speaks to our freedom and the need to work for the development of the motherland,” said Cde Shamu.
Masvingo celebrates 45 years of Independence
Hundreds of people have braved the cold weather and thronged Nemanwa Grounds in Masvingo District to celebrate 45 years of independence amid pomp and fanfare.
The celebrations are being held at Nemanwa Growth Point in line with the Second Republic’s devolution agenda to take key national programmes to all corners of the country.
Proceedings to mark the festivities started around 10am with the huge crowd witnessing the arrival of service chiefs that were led by 4 Infantry Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Obert Tshuma.
Guest of honour and Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira arrived to cheers from the crowd and inspected the parade.
Also in attendance is Permanent Secretary for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa and other senior Government officials.
Zim is the only country we call home, President
President Mnangagwa has called on all Zimbabweans to remain vigilant and united in safeguarding the country against threats both within and beyond its borders.
In his keynote address at the main Independence celebrations that are currently underway in Nembudziya, Gokwe, President Mnangagwa emphasised that the duty to protect the nation is a shared responsibility that transcends political, ethnic, and social divisions.
“Each of us must protect our nation from enemies within and outside our borders,” President Mnangagwa said, adding that national security and sovereignty must remain a top priority for all citizens.
The President also highlighted the importance of patriotism, unity, and resilience.
“Let us all put Zimbabwe first, it is the only country we call home,” President Mnangagwa said.
He said the strength of Zimbabwe’s citizens lies in unity and collective effort.
The President also urged Zimbabweans to rise above personal interests and work together to build a peaceful, prosperous, and proud nation for current and future generations.
He affirmed that the Zanu PF Government is actively engaging with citizens and responding to their needs to realize their collective aspirations and foster inclusive national development.
Government has reiterated that it is committed to bringing development to all areas around the country.
Scenes in Nembudziya
And it’s a wrap!
With the formal proceedings concluded at Mutora Open Grounds in Nembudziya, Gokwe, we now cross over to a stadium at Nembudziya Growth Point for the 2025 Independence Cup final between four-time Premier Soccer League champions FC Platinum and defending league kings Simba Bhora.
Thousands have come together to honour their nation’s history in Gokwe. The atmosphere is charged with excitement and national pride, reflecting the spirit of resilience and hope.
The sense of community and shared purpose lingers, reminding everyone of the importance of freedom and the journey towards a brighter future.
Happy Independence Day, Zimbabwe!
