Welcome to our Live Blog from Maphisa Stadium, Matabeleland South Province.

As Zimbabwe marks its 46th Independence anniversary today, the dusty plains of Maphisa have come alive, carrying more than just the colour and rhythm of celebration — but the weight of history and meaning.

President Mnangagwa will lead the national celebrations here in Maphisa, with other celebrations being held around the country’s provinces.

The celebrations are held under the theme “Zim@46 – Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030.”

This is the day many describe as one “made by God”, a moment born out of sacrifice, resilience and an unyielding fight for freedom. On April 18, 1980, Zimbabwe broke the chains of colonial rule, reclaiming its land, dignity and identity — a legacy that continues to define the nation today.

Here in Maphisa, in Matabeleland South, thousands have gathered for the main national celebrations, a fitting reminder that independence is not confined to memory, but lives on in communities across the country.

From early morning, people have been streaming into the venue, draped in national colours, as the province takes centre stage in hosting this year’s commemorations.

Beyond the festivities, today’s event carries a deeper message — a call to protect the hard-won independence and to translate it into tangible economic progress. There is growing emphasis on empowering the youth, building industries, and ensuring that the promise of independence is felt in everyday life.

Stay with us for live updates from the main celebrations and other centres such as Matabeleland North and Midlands Provinces.

Thousands trickle in for the Independence Day Main Celebrations at Maphisa Stadium

Thousands of people have begun tricking in at Maphisa Stadium ahead of main Independence Day celebrations.

Queues at the venue are snaking for several metres at various entry points.

The celebrations are held under the theme “Zim@46 – Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030.”

The theme dovetails with the Government’s broader national development agenda, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy by 2030 through inclusive growth, infrastructure development and social cohesion.

Banners displaying Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 rise across the Independence Day venue in Maphisa, serve as a powerful reminder that independence is not just a moment in history, but an ongoing responsibility.

The same spirit that secured freedom now calls for active participation in shaping the nation’s future through constitutional reform.

Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 reflects this evolving journey—linking the sacrifices of the past with the aspirations of today—showing that true independence lies in continuously strengthening democracy, governance, and the voice of the people.

Thousands brave weather for Zimbabwe’s 46th Independence Celebrations in Maphisa

Thousands of Zimbabweans have braved the rainy weather conditions to attend the country’s 46th Independence Day celebrations being held at Maphisa Stadium in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province.

The commemorations, running under the theme “Zim@46: Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030,” have drawn people from across the province and beyond, reflecting a strong spirit of patriotism and national pride despite the chilly and wet conditions.

Over 50 000 people are expected to attend the celebrations

This year’s national event marks a significant moment for Matabeleland South, as the province hosts the main Independence celebrations amid a wave of infrastructural developments that have transformed Maphisa and surrounding areas in preparation for the historic occasion.

President Mnangagwa is expected to give a keynote address.

Later in the day footballing giants Highlanders and Scottland are expected to clash in the Independence Cup.

WATCH: Clement Magwaza, the reigning King of Rhumba Music, took to the stage at Maphisa Stadium, captivating hundreds of people during the Independence Day celebrations.

His energetic performance and vibrant presence kept the crowd entertained, creating an unforgettable atmosphere filled with music, dance, and national pride.

President Mnangagwa honours late Father Zimbabwe, gifts school bus as Independence Celebrations blend heritage and development

Gibson Mhaka, in Maphisa

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa on Friday marked Zimbabwe’s 46th Independence Anniversary with a symbolic tree-planting ceremony at the Memorial Tree Park at Mahetshe Primary School, an event that blended remembrance, heritage and a forward-looking vision for national development.

The President planted a Natal Mahogany (umthunzini) tree in honour of the late Vice President Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo, describing him as a towering son of the soil whose life was deeply rooted in the struggle for Zimbabwe’s independence.

First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa also planted a commemorative tree in honour of Mama MaFuyane, while former ZIPRA commander and liberation war hero, Cde Moffat Hadebe, joined the ceremony, adding emotional weight to the occasion.

A warm and poignant moment unfolded as President Mnangagwa shared time with Cde Hadebe, reflecting the enduring bond between Zimbabwe’s leadership and liberation war veterans.

During the liberation struggle, both the President and Cde Hadebe were detained at Khami Prison outside Bulawayo.

The President later toured the Jason “Ziyaphapha” Moyo Museum, situated near the Tree Park, further grounding the commemorations in the country’s liberation history.

In a gesture symbolising continuity and the nation’s future, the head boy and head girl of Mahetshe Primary School also planted trees to mark the milestone.

The commemorations took on an even more personal tone when learners recited a poem that deeply moved the President.

The poem reflected on his grandfather, Kushanduka, who was raised within the court of King Mzilikazi under the traditions of the Ndebele State.

It highlighted how this historical arrangement helped cement strong relations between Chief Chivi and the Ndebele King.

According to the narration, Kushanduka was later renamed Mubengo, rising through the ranks as a skilled warrior. He was trained in the art of war and went on to deputise the renowned General Mtshana Khumalo, who is remembered for his role in defeating the Allan Wilson Patrol at Pupu in Lupane during the Anglo-Ndebele War. The recitation, rich in cultural pride and historical depth, visibly charmed the President and drew admiration from attendees.

Clearly touched by the performance and the enthusiasm of the learners, President Mnangagwa went on to donate a bus to Mahetshe Primary School, a gesture aimed at improving access to education for the rural community.

Speaking after the event, Forestry Commission information and communications manager, Ms Violet Makoto, said the memorial park represents an important step in preserving Zimbabwe’s history through environmental conservation

“The memorial park at Mahetshe Primary School will allow the nation to tell the story of these iconic figures where they came from and how they contributed to the liberation of Zimbabwe,” she said.

Ms Makoto emphasised that integrating tree planting into Independence celebrations ensures a lasting legacy while promoting environmental stewardship.

“Having tree planting on the Independence programme shows that conservation is being integrated into the country’s most topical issues, ensuring that future generations benefit from these initiatives,” she said.

Ms Makoto also noted the historical link between independence and conservation, pointing out that Zimbabwe’s first National Tree Planting Day was established on December 6, 1980 , the same year the country attained independence.

“It is gratifying that 46 years later, tree planting remains high on the developmental agenda,” she added.

Ms Makoto said the participation of the Presidium demonstrated strong Government commitment to sustainable forest management and environmental protection.

Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa also commissioned the Mahetshe Primary School Business Unit, a one-hectare project under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. The initiative features modern drip irrigation, four 10 000-litre water storage tanks, two fishponds, a communal water point and two 1.5 horsepower solar-powered boreholes.

Implemented in partnership with key agencies including the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), ARDA, AFC and the Agricultural Marketing Authority, the project is designed to enhance rural livelihoods and practical agricultural education.

To further support the initiative, the President donated US$1 000 towards the project, reinforcing Government’s commitment to rural development, empowerment and sustainable community growth.

The day’s events, blending history, culture, environmental stewardship and investment in education, underscored the enduring significance of Zimbabwe’s Independence and the shared responsibility of preserving its legacy for generations to come.

Rainbow of thrills!

…Children’s party kicks off Independence celebrations

Bruce Ndlovu in Maphisa

MAHETSHE Primary School in Matabeleland South burst into life on Friday as 3,050 pupils from across Zimbabwe painted the venue in the five colours of the national flag during the annual Independence Day Children’s Party.

Young people, most of whom have only lived through a fraction of Zimbabwe’s 46 years of independence, gathered in their numbers to show that Uhuru is a gift that must be cherished, even by those born long after the last bullets of the liberation struggle were fired.

As soon as they arrived, many marvelled at the scale of the progress that has transformed Maphisa, including at the host school, Mahetshe Primary, where men have been hard at work erecting structures that will stand long after the Independence celebrations have faded.
Yesterday, however, was not about brick and mortar, but pure celebration.

The hard work had already been done over the past few months, with the construction of laboratories and new school blocks. Now it was time to honour the country’s independence through song and dance.

Jah Prayzah, Lovemore Majaivana and Fab G were just some of the artistes who, albeit in absentia, lent their voices to a celebration that reflected the diversity of Matabeleland South, the country’s rainbow province.

This was, after all, a party, and its spirit was evident from the earliest hours of the morning, as children streamed into the venue.
They sang and they danced, their joy and jubilation a fitting illustration that the dream of independence in Zimbabwe is now a lived reality.

Once upon a time, before the country’s sons and daughters took up arms to fight for freedom, such scenes would have been unimaginable.
As if to underline that history, while children sang and danced at Mahetshe, 25km away, Vice President Kembo Mohadi lit the Independence Flame at Ratanyana Battle Site, once the scene of fierce clashes between the Rhodesian army and liberation forces.

On that fateful ground, four innocent children — Nokuthula Ndlovu (13), Thandekile Moyo (7), Sixoliso Dube (3) and Mqalisi Ndlovu (3) — were gunned down by Rhodesian forces, who turned their fury on the young victims as they worked in their family’s fields.

Friday’s gathering of over 3,000 children from all of Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces stood as a powerful reminder that the sacrifice of those four, and countless others, was not in vain. In his introductory remarks, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo encouraged those in attendance to guard the country’s independence jealously.

“In the words of the late nationalist, Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, the future of this land lies in the hands of those who understand its history and value its peace. By bringing these children to Matobo, a region rich with the echoes of our ancestors and the resilience of our people, we are anchoring their identity in the soil of their forefathers,” he said.

“This gathering is a celebration of our national unity as defined by our constitution, where the diversity of our indigenous languages and cultures forms a single unbreakable Zimbabwean fabric.”

While joy and jubilation ran through Mahetshe Primary School among the thousands in attendance, yesterday’s event was also a love letter to those who lost their lives in hope that one day Zimbabwean children would laugh, dance and sing without fear, free from the shadow of war and the threat of the gun.

Bulawayo mayor Councillor David Coltart and town clerk, Christopher Dube are also present at the National Independence Day celebrations in Maphisa

 

 

Some of the traditional leaders present and closely following proceedings of the national Independence Day celebrations in Maphisa.

The event brought together community members, government officials, and cultural representatives to commemorate the country’s liberation, with various activities including speeches, traditional performances, and displays of national pride.

 

Service Chiefs are also in attendence

 

Members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces go through their drills during the Independence Day Celebrations in Maphisa, Matabeleland South.

Government ministers and high-ranking officials in attendance, closely following the programme of events at the National Independence Day festivities in Maphisa.

 

 

Hundreds throng Mandava Stadium as Midlands Province marks 46th Independence Day celebrations

Patrick Chitumba Midlands Bureau Chief

HUNDREDS of people have thronged Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane District, joining senior Government officials and members of the uniformed forces to mark the Midlands Province 46th Independence Day celebrations.

Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Owen Ncube, is leading the proceedings and is expected to read President Mnangagwa’s speech.
The celebratory mood is written all over the venue as people continued trickling into the stadium from as early as 8AM.

Musical choirs, and dance groups are lined up to provide exciting entertainment.
Beyond the stadium gates, the celebrations have fuelled a booming street economy with vendors lining the roads leading to Mandava selling food, drinks, national flags, scarves, hats and whistles.

“I started selling at 8AM and I have already sent for more stock,” said one vendor near the main entrance, counting notes into a plastic bag.

“When Zvishavane hosts, everyone eats.”

Local business owners have echoed the sentiment, with transport operators, lodges and fuel stations reporting brisk trade from visitors who travelled from across the province.
Held under the national theme _Zim @ 46: Consolidating Independence Gains Through Unity and Development Towards the

Attainment of Vision 2030”, the event also features exhibitions by Government departments and local enterprises showcasing development projects.

The energy inside Mandava is showing no sign of fading as vuvuzelas, ululations and chants are being rolled across the stadium — a loud, proud mark of 46 years of independence, and Zvishavane’s moment in the national spotlight.

 

 

President Mnangagwa warns against recording of accident victims, vows to protect citizens from tech hazards

Farai Dauramanzi in Maphisa, Matabeleland South

 

 

President Mnangagwa has condemned the filming and distribution of road traffic accident footage, describing the practice as inhuman and against the values of Ubuntu.

Addressing thousands at Maphisa Stadium during the 46th Independence Day celebrations on Saturday, the President expressed grave concern over the increasing abuse of social media by unscrupulous individuals and groups.

“I, note with grave concern the increasing abuse of social media by some unscrupulous persons and groups.

“The recording of road traffic accidents and the subsequent distribution of such material, is totally unacceptable, inhumane and against the values of Ubuntu.

“My Administration will, without apology, protect our citizens, especially children, as well as our culture, beliefs and way of life, from the hazards of media and new technologies,” said President Mnangagwa