Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere
Senior Reporter
Government is satisfied with preparations for the 46th national Independence Day celebrations and the accompanying Children’s Party, which will be held in Matobo District, Matabeleland South.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting in Harare that final touches were being prioritised to ensure the venues and infrastructure are fully functional ahead of the ceremonies.
He appealed to residents and visitors to cooperate with authorities during the period and assured the nation that Cabinet will continue to monitor progress to guarantee safe and successful commemorations in just over two weeks’ time.
Minister Soda said a combination of infrastructure upgrades, health and security preparations, and cultural projects will ensure the Uhuru anniversary is commemorated with due dignity, while leaving a lasting developmental legacy in Matabeleland South.
“As previously communicated, the 46th Independence Day Anniversary Celebrations and the 2026 Children’s Party will be hosted at Maphisa Growth Point in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province,” said Minister Soda.
“The Children’s Party is scheduled to take place at Mahetshe Primary School, while the Independence Gala will be held at Minda Primary School within the same district.
“To ensure the successful hosting of these events, significant progress has been made in various infrastructure developments.”
He said the main arena, including the stadium, had been completed, while plumbing and electrical works were underway. Pitch excavation, levelling, drainage and fencing were also nearing completion.
“The parking area has been cleared and partially levelled, with gravelling works continuing,” said Minister Soda.
Regarding school upgrades, he said Mahetshe Primary and Secondary Schools, as well as Minda High School, had reached 100 percent completion of their superstructures, with key facilities such as classrooms, laboratories, staff houses and renovations nearing completion.
Minister Soda added that construction had commenced at Shashane High School and Kezi Primary School.
“Construction of the Bulawayo–Kezi–Maphisa and Gwanda–Maphisa roads is currently underway, with some sections nearing completion. The construction of additional roads across the province is progressing smoothly,” he said.
“Furthermore, there has been significant progress in bridge de‑siltation, as well as the rehabilitation of access roads.
“Borehole drilling and water infrastructure development are currently ongoing to support local communities and businesses. The Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo Polytechnic is also nearing completion, with the structures now ready for commissioning.”
Cultural and memorial projects — including the Ratanyana Battle Site Museum, graves at district Heroes Acres, the former Zezane Assembly Point and Manama Mission School — were progressing steadily towards completion.
Maphisa District Hospital and Kezi Rural Hospital were also nearing completion, with emergency infrastructure, including a command centre at Maphisa, being established.
On power supply, the Minister said installations at the Bazha–Fumungwe project and Maphisa Stadium were almost complete.
Additionally, distribution of Starlink kits, laptops and printers is ongoing, with the aim of enhancing communication across the host province.
