marble nkomo
Gibson Mhaka
THE stage is set, the atmosphere is electric, and the nation stands on the threshold of a historic milestone.
Tomorrow, Saturday, April 18, Zimbabwe marks its 46th anniversary of Independence, with the main celebrations taking place at Maphisa Stadium in Matobo District, Matabeleland South province.
This is not just a celebration of four decades of self-rule; it is a profound homecoming to a region that breathes the history of the liberation struggle.
This historic event, held under the theme “Zim@46 — Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030,” marks a triumphant milestone in the Second Republic’s commitment to decentralisation.
By bringing the flagship national celebration to the heart of Matabeleland South, the Government is living true to its philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind.”
Thousands of people from across the country’s ten provinces are expected to descend on Maphisa Growth Point to witness the festivities, turning this quiet district into the heartbeat of the nation.
In the shadow of a Giant
Hosting the 46th Independence celebrations in Matobo is a move steeped in deep political and historical symbolism.
It is a tribute to the memory of “Father Zimbabwe,” the late National Hero and Vice-President, Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo. Matobo is also the land of the ancestors, where the echoes of the First and Second Chimurenga still resonate within the granite hills.
For the people of Matabeleland South, tomorrow is more than a public holiday, it is a recognition of their immense contribution to the birth of Zimbabwe.
Taking the celebrations to Maphisa serves as a reminder that the freedom we enjoy today was bought with blood, grit, and the unwavering unity of those who marched under the banner of liberation.
President Mnangagwa’s presence in Maphisa tomorrow reaffirms that the legacy of Father Zimbabwe is not just preserved in history books but is a living guide for the Second Republic’s developmental agenda.
Decentralisation in motion
In a departure from the four-decade tradition of hosting the national event exclusively in Harare, this year marks the fifth consecutive year the commemorations have been decentralised.
From the historic first move to Bulawayo, through Mt Darwin, Murambinda, and Nembudziya in Gokwe, the “moving” Independence Day has become a powerful tool for national integration.
It underscores a Government committed to devolution, ensuring that the prestige and economic stimulus of national events are shared by all.
A living legacy of development
The hosting of this event has brought a whirlwind of infrastructure development to Maphisa, proving that Independence is as much about modern prosperity as it is about past bravery. The “living legacy” of Zim@46 is visible in the bricks and mortar across the district.
There have been extensive upgrades at Mahetshe Primary School and Mahetshe Secondary School, where the Government has constructed new classroom blocks, renovated existing ones, and built state-of-the-art science laboratories and administration blocks.
Furthermore, new hostels were constructed at Mahetshe, specifically to house over 3 000 children who are attending the Children’s Party today, hosted by President Mnangagwa and First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
These facilities remain as permanent assets for the local community. The rehabilitation of roads leading to the Growth Point and the upgrading of medical facilities at Maphisa and Kezi District Hospitals ensure that long after the crowds have left and the music has faded, the quality of life for the local people remains permanently elevated.
The symbolic flame and national readiness
The symbolic Independence Flame, a revered emblem of unity, resilience, and enduring sovereignty, has been weaving its way across the seven districts of Matabeleland South this past week.
From the lighting at the Harare Kopje to its journey through Beitbridge, Gwanda, and Bulilima, the flame has ignited a sense of national pride in every village it passed.
Tomorrow, the “Independence Flame Run” by the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture will carry this sacred fire into Maphisa Stadium, where President Mnangagwa will light the Eternal Flame to officially commence the proceedings.
Local organising committees have confirmed that Maphisa is more than ready.
The open ground venue has been transformed into a world-class arena, and the logistics for water, sanitation, and transport are fully operational.
“We have prepared for a crowd exceeding 50 000, and every security and hospitality detail has been fine-tuned.
“Matabeleland South is ready to show the world the beauty of our province and the depth of our patriotism,” a provincial official noted.
Celebration and sport
The festivities will not end with the official speeches. Tomorrow night, an Independence Gala at Minda High School will see the nation’s top artistes perform, representing a diverse range of genres from Sungura to Zimdancehall.
In a move that has excited local sports fans, the main event will be capped off by a high-octane football match between Bulawayo giants Highlanders FC and the ambitious Scottland FC, competing for the Independence Trophy.
As the sun rises over the Matobo hills tomorrow, it shines on a nation that is unified, developing and proud.
All roads lead to Maphisa, where Zimbabwe will declare with one voice that our freedom is secure, the nation’s development is inclusive and the future is bright. Zim@46: Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030.
Online Reporter