Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu and Joseph Madzimure
Zimpapers Reporters
THE Government is set to upscale implementation of legacy development projects in Matabeleland South, which have been rolled out ahead of hosting of the 46th Independence Day Celebrations on April 18, 2026 in Maphisa.
This comes as the province will hold a planning meeting this week for the celebrations, marking an early start to preparations for the national event.
In an interview recently, Zanu PF Matabeleland South chair Cde Mangaliso Ndlovu, who is also Industry and Commerce Minister, confirmed that the high-level management meeting will zoom in on the preparations.
“Next week (this week), I will be in Maphisa, Matabeleland South province, alongside my senior management team to assess the progress being made in preparation for this year’s Independence celebrations,” said Cde Ndlovu.
He said Matabeleland South was committed to delivering a well-organised event that would not only put it on the map, but leave a lasting legacy of development.
With only three months left before the Independence celebrations, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Albert Nguluvhe, rallied stakeholders to direct efforts towards making the day a success.
Several development projects have been rolled out across various sectors.
Under the education sector, 40 science laboratories are set to be established across the province. The construction of Gwanda-Maphisa Road is underway, in a development which is set to unlock economic activity.
The construction of a stadium is underway at Maphisa Open Grounds, which is going to be the main venue for the Independence Celebrations.
Minister Nguluvhe said other priority areas include improving network coverage and maintenance of roads.
“It’s a great honour and privilege for us as a province to be hosting this year’s Independence Day Celebrations. Hosting this event comes with significant development for our province, which will have significant impact on the lives of community members,” he said in an interview.
“With three months left before Independence Celebrations, there is need to scale up completion of several legacy projects that have been rolled out in the province.
“I will engage Treasury to ensure timeous release of funds. The duty of seeing these projects doesn’t lie with Government only, but all stakeholders have to be involved,” Minister Nguluvhe said.
Other developments that are being implemented include renovation of the classroom blocks, construction of eight classroom blocks and eight modern teachers’ cottages at Mahetshe Primary in Maphisa, which has been identified as the venue for the Children’s Party. Two ECD classroom blocks will also be established.
A computer lab will be established at the school, while the sports field will be upgraded. Mahetshe Secondary School, also in Maphisa, has been identified as the music gala venue.
A 700-seater hall and four more classroom blocks will be constructed, as well as an Advanced Level block, computer lab, staff toilets, two science laboratories, an administration block, teacher’s cottages and staff toilets.
“The Gwanda-Maphisa Road connects several districts and links vital economic centres, including ARDA Antelope, the Makwe irrigation scheme, two border posts, and various tourist sites in Matobo.
“Once completed, the road is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Gwanda and surrounding districts, particularly Matobo, improving access to services and opening up new economic opportunities in mining and agriculture,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
He called upon various stakeholders from the province to embrace the celebrations and work towards success. The minister also urged hiring locals and awarding tenders to local companies.
“The citizens of Matabeleland South should own these celebrations. We also need to be united as a province. Each individual has a role to play in making this day a success- from the highest office bearer to the community members,” said Nguluvhe.
“Local authorities and ministries also have a role to play and I urge them to work vigilantly in line with Government’s development agenda.”
Further works to be carried out by local authorities and Government ministries and agencies include rehabilitation of 2 600km road network throughout the province.
“Rehabilitation and completion of Kezi Hospital. The hospital will also be equipped to enable effective service delivery,” he said.
The venues have been selected in line with the Cabinet-approved criteria for the selection of a venue for hosting the annual Independence Day and Children’s Party celebrations.
The Second Republic’s Devolution Agenda catalysed a transformative shift, decentralising these events and instituting a rotational format across the 10 provinces, commencing in 2021.
The rotational hosting system, introduced under the Second Republic’s devolution agenda, marked a strategic shift from the long-standing tradition of holding the main event exclusively in Harare. The initiative is designed to promote inclusivity, national unity and equitable development across all provinces.
Other provinces that have hosted the national celebrations under the rotational system are Bulawayo (2022), Mashonaland Central (2023), Manicaland (2024) and Midlands (2025).
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