Online Reporter
Kuda Bwititi, Zimpapers Politics Hub
PREPARATIONS for Zimbabwe’s main Independence Day celebrations to be held this Friday in Nembudziya, Gokwe North, are in their final stages, with the Government promising an event meeting the “highest standards” and leaving a legacy of development for the local community.
In a departure from the four-decade tradition of hosting the national event in Harare, this year marks the fourth consecutive year the commemorations have been decentralised, having been previously held in Bulawayo, Mt Darwin and Murambinda.
The move underscores the Government’s commitment to devolution and inclusive development.
In an interview on Friday, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe confirmed that work at the main venue in Gokwe Nembudziya was progressing well.
“Preparations at the main venue are at an advanced stage,” he stated. Key infrastructure, including a new stadium, is nearing completion.
“The football pitch is 90 percent complete, with lawn maintenance underway . . . ablution blocks are at 90 percent while terraces and access roads are nearing completion.”
Beyond the main arena, significant infrastructure upgrades have been undertaken, designed to benefit the Gokwe North community long after the celebrations. These sustainable development projects include a new, fully equipped stadium capable of hosting Division One football matches.
Renovations have been undertaken at the local district hospital, including the VIP ward and a new mortuary, while new boys’ and girls’ hostels have been constructed at Nyamuroro High School to accommodate visiting children.
There have also been extensive upgrades at Nembudziya High School, including new classroom blocks, renovated existing ones, new science labs and administration block improvements.
Enhanced water supply has also been achieved through three new boreholes and water tanks, alongside secured electricity and backup generators.
Gokwe and surrounding areas has also seen road improvements managed by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development.
Logistical arrangements are being streamlined, with 369 buses mobilised to transport attendees from across the country.
The celebrations commence on April 17 with the traditional Children’s Party at Nyamuroro High School, hosted by President Mnangagwa and First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa. Over 3 000 children are expected to attend the event, which features entertainment, educational activities, and a luncheon. New hostels have been constructed at the school specifically for this event.
An Independence Gala is scheduled for the eve of the 18th at Nembudziya Government High School. The main event on April 18 will be held at the Nembudziya Growth Point Open Ground highlighted by President Mnangagwa’s address. Following the official proceedings, a football match between Simba Bhora and FC Platinum will entertain the crowds.
Minister Garwe emphasised the positive reception from the Gokwe North community.
“The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Residents have taken pride in hosting a national event,” he said. He highlighted the long-term benefits, including the new infrastructure and employment opportunities created during the preparation phase, noting that local businesses were engaged for sourcing materials, aligning with the “No One and No Place must be left behind” mantra.
Provincial commemorations will also occur nationwide, coordinated by Provincial Ministers and District Development Coordinators.
Reflecting on Zimbabwe’s journey since independence, Minister Garwe said:
“This year’s celebrations are a reminder of our shared heritage and the ongoing transformation of our nation.
Through decentralisation, infrastructure development, and community empowerment, we are building a Zimbabwe that leaves no one and no place behind.”
Speaking at the official launch of the lighting of the Independence Flame by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga last Thursday, Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube said:
“Hosting the independence commemorations has brought enormous attendant developments. Renovations and resuscitation of our heritage sites, which include Whawha, Connemara Prisons, Sikombela, and Mtapa Hall, are underway, with major projects that include a stadium, boreholes, schools, communication, and road infrastructure works at various levels of completion in Nembudziya.”
