Independence preps start

Walter Mswazie
Preparations for the country’s 39th Independence celebrations in the province slated for Mucheke Stadium next month have begun in earnest.

The country’s Independence Day is celebrated on April 18 every year and all provinces will commemorate this important day while the main event led by President Mnangagwa will be held in Harare. Chairperson of the State Occasions provincial committee, Mr Fungai Mbetsa said they have already started seeking donations for the celebrations from their traditional benefactors and other stakeholders.

“We have started preparations for this year’s Independence celebrations at Mucheke Stadium,” said Mr Mbetsa.

Mr Mbetsa, who is also Masvingo provincial administrator, said his committee has started convening meetings with stakeholders and to get regular updates on progress while the uniformed forces were expected to start their rehearsals, anytime this week.

“We have started holding meetings with stakeholders. All thematic sub-committees have assumed their role of mobilising resources towards this important day because we always want to make the celebrations a resounding success.

“On the other hand, I am told the uniformed forces, comprising the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) are expected to start rehearsing their drills this week.

“Letters to seek donations from organisations and individuals are already being distributed.

“We are targeting to raise $10 000 towards the event which will not be limited to the province only. We will have similar celebrations in all six rural districts but the Mucheke celebrations will be the main one for the province,” he said.

The Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs Cde Ezra Chadzamira will preside over the festivities.

Apart from the usual drills from the uniformed forces, he said, other art groups will be given an opportunity to showcase their acts.

Mr Mbetsa said Independence Day was a national event that should be respected by each and every citizen irrespective of political, social or religious inclination.