Independence Torch relay captures imagination of Zimbabweans in Bulawayo

Bongani Ndlovu, Chronicle Reporter
THE Independence Torch relay was a spectacle that captured the imagination of Zimbabweans in Bulawayo as it made its way around the city centre.

The Independence Day main celebrations were held in Bulawayo for the first time since the country attained independence 42 years ago

The Independence Flame was lit on Saturday at Khami National Monument by Zanu-PF secondary secretary and the party Vice-President Cde Kembo Mohadi who was together with Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube and her Matabeleland North counterpart Richard Moyo alongside Chief Ndondo from Mbembesi and other Government officials.

The following day, the Independence Flame was taken from Khami National Monument and then moved around the city including the western suburbs at the back of a twin-cab.

The Independence Flame was joined by a convoy comprising Highlanders and Dynamos FC players while their captains, Ariel Sibanda and Partson Jaure, paraded the Independence Cup that they played for yesterday.

After the nearly seven-hour parade around the western suburbs, the Flame was taken to the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe.

Yesterday morning, a group of 15 athletes comprising members of the security forces took the flame to the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Statue, then along Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street and then down Third Avenue.