Independence Day preps at advanced stage

stage and Zimbabweans from all walks of life have been urged to show unity of purpose and attend the event in their numbers.
The main event will be held at the National Sports Stadium in Harare on Monday under the theme: “Unity, Peace and Development.”
Media, Information and Publicity Minister Webster Shamu made the call while addressing journalists at his Munhumutapa offices in Harare yesterday.
“I would like to emphasise that this is a national event at which all people of Zimbabwe should show unity of purpose in celebrating this very significant day in the history of our country.
“The day provides the people of Zimbabwe with an opportunity to narrow any differences and make a giant leap forward in national economic development,” Minister Shamu said.
He reiterated that Zimbabweans should jealously safeguard the country’s sovereignty that came about as a result of independence that was attained on April 18, 1980.
“Zimbabwe’s liberation was achieved as a result of our revolutionary spirit and unity of purpose to achieve independence. That is the spirit that should characterise every Zimbabwean as we confront new challenges to develop the country and defend its national sovereignty and independence,” he said.
Minister Shamu said Cabinet this year decided to settle for the theme: “Unity, Peace and Development” to focus on economic development.
“We have political independence, what is left is economic independence. That alone can be achieved if we are united as a nation. There is diversity in unity and I say let’s throw away all our differences,” Minister Shamu said.
The minister released the programme for the main celebrations to be held at National Sports Stadium.
“The programme for the day will commence at 07:00 hours and will be preceded by a Children’s Party which will be held at the Harare International Conference Centre on Sunday, 17th April 2011.
“The Children’s Party commences at 09:00 hours and ends at 17:05 hours,” he said.
The main celebrations will see six athletes from the Zimbabwe Prison Services – Stephen Muzhingi, Constance Nyasango, Jonathan Chingoka, Casbert Makaza, Kelvin Pangiso Precious Mukuza bring the Independence Flame, which will be lighted by President Mugabe.
Entertainment will be provided by musician Suluman Chimbetu. Suluman will be joined by Freddy “Kapfupi” Manjalima of the “Mai Nga” hit song while gospel sensation Sabastian Magacha is also billed to entertain people.
Soccer lovers are also in for a treat with the winners of the semi-finals between Dynamos and Gunners, Motor Action and Highlanders clashing in the coveted Independence Trophy final. One of the major highlights of the festivities has always been the parade by the uniformed forces and the mass displays by school children and this year’s event promises to be more exciting.
Minister Shamu said transport arrangements to ferry people to and from their provinces would be announced in due course.
“Provinces will be provided with funds to facilitate the hiring of buses to ferry children to and from the Children’s Party,” he said.
Cde Shamu said various ministries, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Zimbabwe Prison Services and district committees were working flat out to ensure that the celebrations were a resounding success.
He also revealed that the Cabinet Committee on State Occasions and National Monuments under which the celebrations fall, has decided to host a Children’s Party to be held at the Harare International Conference Centre on Independence Eve to precede the main celebrations.