Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka
Zimpapers Politics Hub
MAPHISA is fully prepared to host Zimbabwe’s 46th Independence Day celebrations tomorrow, with significant infrastructure upgrades and logistics now in place to accommodate a massive crowd of 50 000 people, Matobo North Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister Edgar Moyo has said.
Minister Moyo who is the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, yesterday declared that it is “all systems go,” adding that a “New Look Maphisa” is ready to welcome the nation for the historic festivities.
President Mnangagwa will preside over the national event, which is being held under the theme: “Zim@46 – Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030.”
The celebrations are preceded by the National Children’s Party today at Mahetshe Primary School, where the President and First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa will interact with learners from across the country’s 10 provinces.
In an interview, Minister Moyo said the local organising committee had achieved all major milestones.
“In terms of readiness, we are ready on a large scale. The stadium is complete, and drills are already taking place at the venue. Our stadium is now ready to host the independence celebrations and matches,” said Minister Moyo.
The infrastructure blitz at the main arena includes the completion of the football pitch, terraces, changing rooms and modern ablution facilities. Beyond the stadium, the Government has moved to ensure that the district is accessible.
“Initially, we were afraid of the state of the roads, but the responsible authorities have been working around the clock to ensure that they are trafficable, even if they are not yet fully completed. Remember that the Government has made a commitment to finish the rehabilitation of the roads after Independence,” Minister Moyo said.
The commemorations have also birthed several “Legacy Projects” in the district, including new school blocks, laboratories and the construction of the Ratanyana Museum at the historic battle site.
To ensure the 50 000-strong crowd reaches the venue, Minister Moyo confirmed that a massive transport plan has been activated.
“We are quite excited and ready to receive people. Buses have been deployed to all seven wards in the district to carry people. Furthermore, buses have also been deployed in all the country’s 10 provinces to ferry people to Maphisa.
“We are also appealing to other transporters and schools to help by providing buses so that people can come in their masses,” he said.
He urged the public to arrive early and emphasised the deep historical significance of Matobo in the liberation of Zimbabwe.
“We expect people to come as early as possible to secure their seats. This is a significant opportunity, particularly for those from Matobo.
“This district is where the first spear was thrown at the settlers. It is the home of the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo and luminaries like Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo. Matobo played a big role in liberating this country, and it is very important for people to attend in their large numbers,” he said.
At Mahetshe Primary School, which hosts the Children’s Party today, structures are almost 100 percent complete, with water and sanitation facilities fully operational to welcome the First Family and the nation’s youth.
