Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
THE business community in the Matabeleland region has hailed the decision to host this year’s Independence Day celebrations in Maphisa as a strategic economic catalyst, with ripple effects already being felt across key sectors ahead of the national event.
Set for Saturday, the 46th Independence commemorations are being held in Matabeleland South as part of the Government’s deliberate decentralisation drive under the Second Republic — a policy that is fast turning national events into engines of infrastructure development, investment attraction and inclusive growth.
Business leaders said the shift is not merely symbolic, but a calculated intervention to unlock regional potential, stimulate local enterprise and strengthen national cohesion.
Former Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) southern region vice-president, Mr Louis Herbst, said taking the celebrations to Matabeleland South affirms the region’s place in the country’s development matrix.
“By decentralising the event to this historic region, the Second Republic is not only honouring its liberation legacy but also demonstrating that every part of the country is integral to national progress,” he said.
Mr Herbst said Independence celebrations are not just a moment of national reflection, but a springboard for economic transformation and shared prosperity.
“The celebrations provide a platform to showcase Matabeleland’s economic potential across sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and services. Infrastructure upgrades leave lasting benefits, while increased visibility for local enterprises helps attract investment and create jobs,” he said.
The build-up to the national event has already triggered a surge in economic activity, with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) positioning themselves to tap into increased demand for goods and services.
Bulawayo Chamber of SMEs programmes co-ordinator, Mr Nketa Mangoye Dlamini, said the influx of visitors is set to unlock opportunities across multiple value chains.
“This is a national event that draws people from across the country, meaning increased movement of goods and people. SMEs in transport, food services, manufacturing, tourism, entertainment and even clothing stand to benefit,” he said.
“People will need accommodation, food, transport, attire and various support services. If our SMEs position themselves properly, they can take advantage of this and generate meaningful income.”
Mr Dlamini urged businesses to move with urgency and align their offerings with the expected demand surge.
“It’s a chance that the nation has given us for economic advantage. Let’s seize it, grow our businesses and contribute to the development of our region and the country at large,” he said.
Mr Dlamini also urged SMEs to attend the 46th Uhuru celebrations, saying that it’s not just a celebration but a national event, which needs support.
“So, I look at it from those two points of view. Go in to celebrate, we go in to make business. During the preparations, as the Government itself is preparing, as local authorities are preparing, as the local community is preparing, they will need services,” he said.
Maphisa’s selection as host venue is already translating into tangible infrastructure upgrades, in line with the Government’s “leave no one and no place behind” development philosophy, with roadworks, public facilities and service delivery systems being improved ahead of the celebrations.
The celebrations will be held under the theme “Zim@46 – Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030,” reflecting the Government’s broader national development agenda.
Analysts say beyond the festivities, the long-term gains — from improved infrastructure to enhanced investor confidence — will outlive the event, cementing the role of decentralised national programmes as drivers of sustainable development.
