Online Reporter
Richard Muponde, Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE Independence Day Flame was officially kindled yesterday and then conveyed to the Midlands Province, where the formal launch of the Independence Day celebrations will take place later today.
Mr Lovemore Mandima, the regional manager for the southern region of the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ), oversaw the lighting of the symbolic flame at the Museum of Human Sciences in Harare.
He announced that today, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga will officiate at the flame’s official presentation to Midlands Province, marking the formal commencement of preparations for Uhuru Day on April 18.
The main celebrations for the nation’s 45th Independence Day will be held in Gokwe under theme ,“Zim@45: Devolve and Develop Together towards Vision 2030”.
In an interview on the sidelines of the lighting of the flame, Mr Mandima said:
“So, today (yesterday), the independence flame is moving from the capital city of Zimbabwe to the Midlands province, where the launch of the 2025 independence commemorations shall be done tomorrow (today) by Vice President Chiwenga, at the historic Mutapa Hall.”
The flame was transported to the Midlands aboard a roadshow truck, accompanied by an escort convoy from NMMZ and the police. From tomorrow, it will be paraded in several areas in Midlands Province, before it lands in Gokwe for the main Independence Day commemorations on April 18.
“After the launch on the 10th of April tomorrow (today), the independence flame team shall then move around the whole Midlands Province. The first port of call shall be Mberengwa district at Mberengwa centre. “So, after Zvishavane on the 12th, the flame shall move to Shurugwi District, and people shall gather at Chachacha business centre. From there, the flame shall move to Kwekwe District via Gweru district and in Kwekwe, people shall gather at Mbizo high density on April 13.
“From Mbizo, the flame team shall move to Gokwe Centre, which is in Gokwe South on April 14. After Gokwe South, the team shall head to Gokwe North, to Chitekete, to Chireya (April 15) and Nembudziya (April 16). From Nembudziya, the team shall go down to Gokwe South, to Sikhombela detention camp there, on the same day, the Friday the 11th, the flame shall move to Shabani town at Mandava,” said Mr Mandima.
Mr Mandima said on April 17, the flame will be relit at Sikhombela and then head to the venue of the Independence Day commemorations in Mutora village in Gokwe –Nembudziya.
“At Sikhombela detention camp, the flame shall be relit by the Vice President, Cde Kembo Mohadi, on the 17th of April and then from there, head northwards to where the main event shall be held on the 18th, to be officiated by the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Dr E.D Mnangagwa on the 18th,” Mr Mandima said.
In a statement earlier this week, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage said “ The Zimbabwe Independence Flame is an enduring symbol of the country’s struggle for freedom and its commitment to building a better future for all its citizens. As the flame continues to burn brightly, it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices by those who fought for our Independence and as a beacon of hope for generations to come.
“Additionally, it represents the spirit of love, sacrifice, determination and collective unity and gallantry. All Zimbabweans along the route are encouraged to come and witness the process in memory and celebration of our heroes and heroines.”
