Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo in Maphisa
PREPARATIONS for the 46th National Independence celebrations to be held in Maphisa, Matabeleland South, are now at an advanced stage, with Government accelerating infrastructure upgrades and finalising broadcasting and publicity plans ahead of the April 18 event.
This emerged during a National Working Committee meeting held yesterday at the main celebrations venue in Maphisa.
The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mr Zvinechimwe Churu.
Officials said preparations have gone beyond ceremonial arrangements, with infrastructure development, particularly road rehabilitation and upgrading, taking centre stage to ensure accessibility and lasting benefits for local communities.
Matabeleland South Provincial Engineer in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Engineer Mangisi Nkomo, said the province’s road network, which spans more than 5 000 kilometres and includes trunk, provincial and feeder roads, is undergoing significant improvements.
“We are obviously targeting the Bulawayo-Kezi route since it’s the main feeder road to the event but over and above that, crucially so, all feeder roads are being worked on. Our road network, as a result of the province hosting the national Uhuru celebrations, will never, ever be the same again,” said Eng Nkomo.
He said rehabilitation and upgrading works are being prioritised on key routes leading to Maphisa and surrounding areas to improve traffic flow and road safety ahead of the commemorations.
Mr Churu commended stakeholders for the progress made so far, emphasising the need to deliver quality infrastructure that will continue serving communities long after the celebrations.
He said hosting the 46th Independence commemorations presents a strategic opportunity to accelerate development in Matabeleland South, leaving behind tangible improvements in the province’s transport network and related infrastructure.
The celebrations are expected to attract more than 50 000 people from across the country, making efficient transport systems critical to the smooth flow of activities.
Heads of various Ministries, Departments and Agencies attended the meeting and presented progress reports, with the hotel and hospitality sector expected to be among the major beneficiaries of the event.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services has also intensified preparations for the national celebrations.
Permanent Secretary Mr Nick Mangwana told the same meeting that broadcasting and publicity plans are now at an advanced stage.
“The media blitz takes off on Monday, (tomorrow) in all the media houses,” said Mr Mangwana.
He said the ministry is working closely with other arms of Government to ensure comprehensive coverage of the event.
“The ministry is co-ordinating live coverage arrangements, public awareness campaigns and content production to ensure citizens across the country and in the diaspora can follow proceedings,” said the Permanent Secretary.
He added that the media will play a central role in amplifying information around the celebrations, including historical features, documentaries and interviews reflecting on the country’s liberation journey.
“The ministry is committed to ensuring accurate, timely and inclusive dissemination of information ahead of the commemorations. Publicity materials are also being rolled out across various platforms to mobilise communities to participate in the national event,” said Mr Mangwana.
This year’s Independence celebrations are expected to attract more than 50 000 people, with Government reiterating the importance of unity, patriotism and national pride as the country marks another milestone in its history.
