Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE Second Republic, under the stewardship of President Mnangagwa, has implemented a transformative devolution programme that is reshaping Zimbabwe’s development landscape. Guided by the powerful philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind,” the policy serves as a dynamic engine for inclusive growth, ushering in a new era of equitable development and strengthened national unity.
Devolution is a cornerstone of the Government’s agenda, with a firm commitment to empowering local communities across the country. In line with this principle, the Government has boldly broken with tradition by decentralising major national events, previously confined to the capital, Harare.
Historically, events such as Independence Day and Defence Forces Day were held at the National Sports Stadium, while Heroes Day was commemorated at the National Heroes Acre. Today, these celebrations are being taken to the people, becoming truly national in scope.
Following President Mnangagwa’s directive to devolve Independence Day celebrations, Bulawayo Province made history in 2022 by hosting the 42nd Independence Day commemorations — marking the first time the event was held outside Harare.
This landmark shift became a defining feature of the Second Republic’s commitment to community development across all provinces. In 2023, the honour was passed to Mount Darwin District in Mashonaland Central, further reinforcing the Government’s decentralisation drive.
The momentum continued in 2024, with Murambinda B High School in Buhera, Manicaland Province, hosting the celebrations. This year, the festivities were held at Nembudziya Growth Point in Gokwe North, Midlands Province.
This deliberate geographic rotation promotes inclusivity and fosters a deeper appreciation of Zimbabwe’s diverse cultures and regional contributions. Beyond symbolism, these rotating celebrations serve as a catalyst for development. Hosting provinces benefit from infrastructure upgrades and increased economic activity.
Roads are rehabilitated, and schools selected as venues receive extensive renovations. These improvements leave a lasting legacy, enhancing public services in previously underserved areas.
Next year’s celebrations are set to take place at Maphisa Open Space in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province. This is more than a change of venue — it is an investment in the future of every corner of Zimbabwe. The hosting of the 46th National Independence Day and Children’s Party Celebrations in Matabeleland South is expected to drive significant infrastructure development, with benefits already beginning to materialise.
Preparations are well underway, with Government ministries and agencies mobilising resources to ensure key projects — such as road rehabilitation, school renovations and utility upgrades — are completed on schedule.
This proactive approach began with strategic planning. In a recent interview, Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, revealed that groundwork officially began with a “Look-and-Learn” tour to Midlands Province.
“Recently, we visited Midlands Province as a team from Matabeleland South. It was a delegation from various Government departments on a ‘Look-and-Learn’ visit. We went there to understand the challenges they faced, how they overcame them, how they organised themselves, and what is required to make the event a success. We learned a lot and will continue working with them,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
Minister Nguluvhe emphasised that the province would not rely solely on Government funding and has adopted an ilima approach — a traditional practice where communities unite to tackle large tasks.
“We’ve started mobilising resources. We’ve agreed to bring in all Rural District Councils (RDCs) to see what we can do collectively. We can’t wait for Government resources alone,” he said.
The celebrations will also accelerate the rehabilitation of key roads, including the Gwanda-Maphisa and Bulawayo-Maphisa routes.
“The rehabilitation of the road between Gwanda and Kezi has started. Work on the Bulawayo-Matopo and Tshelanyemba roads is also underway. We’re making progress as a province. In about a month, we’ll be in full gear once we’ve mobilised road maintenance equipment and fuel,” the Minister said.
The upgrades to the Gwanda-Maphisa and Bulawayo-Maphisa roads are expected to significantly improve connectivity and stimulate economic activity in the region. The Bulawayo-Maphisa road will also be extended to Mphoengs, near the Botswana border, enhancing regional integration.
To avoid delays caused by the rainy season, Minister Nguluvhe said the province aims to complete road works by March next year.
“We’re working to beat the rainy season so that by March, we’re done,” he said.
The Minister also confirmed that the province is engaging service providers to ensure a seamless event.
“We’ve started writing to service providers, including those in telecommunications, to improve network coverage. We’re already on the ground,” he said.
From Minister Nguluvhe’s remarks, it is clear that Matabeleland South is well on course to benefit from hosting the national event, with infrastructure projects already underway.
Work on key roads such as Gwanda-Kezi and Bulawayo-Matopo has begun, validating the devolution policy’s core premise: national events are a practical mechanism for accelerating regional development.
By initiating major road rehabilitation projects and extending the network to Mphoengs — a move poised to boost cross-border trade and regional connectivity — Matabeleland South is not waiting for the future; it is actively transforming its transport landscape now, with an ambitious target to complete the works by March next year, ahead of the rainy season.
Moreover, the preparatory process itself is fostering both community and institutional empowerment — an essential, though often unquantified, benefit of devolution.
Through the adoption of the ilima approach to resource mobilisation, the province is harnessing its internal capacity, reinforcing a spirit of self-reliance among Rural District Councils (RDCs) and local stakeholders.
Combined with the strategic “Look-and-Learn” tour to the previous hosts in Midlands Province, Matabeleland South is building vital institutional knowledge and operational efficiency. This proactive engagement with service providers — particularly in the telecommunications sector — ensures the province benefits from improved network coverage, a lasting utility upgrade that extends well beyond the celebrations, enhancing economic activity and communication for all residents.
Ultimately, the devolution of national celebrations to Matabeleland South, and specifically to Maphisa Open Space in Matobo District, underscores the success of President Mnangagwa’s unifying vision.
With preparations in full swing and key infrastructure projects already underway, the hosting of the 46th Independence Day will be more than a ceremonial occasion — it will stand as a profound and practical demonstration of the Second Republic’s commitment to balanced regional development.
It ensures that the philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind” translates into tangible prosperity and a strengthened sense of national ownership for the people of Matabeleland South — and for all Zimbabweans.
