Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE sleepy semi-rural landscape of Maphisa in Matobo District, Matabeleland South, is undergoing a seismic transformation, shedding its quiet mantle to emerge as a vibrant hub of modern infrastructure.
As the nation prepares to celebrate the 46th Independence Day on April 18, the Second Republic’s policy of decentralisation is bearing tangible fruit, turning this corner of Matabeleland South into a massive construction site where the sounds of heavy machinery and the hustle of workers signal the birth of a lasting legacy.
For the first time since Zimbabwe attained self-rule in 1980, Matabeleland South province will host the National Independence celebrations. This historic shift has seen the entire machinery of Government descending upon the district, a move that aligns perfectly with the theme: “Zim@46 — Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030.”
The theme is not merely a slogan in Maphisa; it is a lived reality evidenced by the rapid expansion of infrastructure, inclusive growth, and a renewed sense of social cohesion.
At the heart of this transformation is a suite of legacy projects designed to outlive the day’s festivities.
From the rehabilitation of arterial roads to the construction of state-of-the-art educational and health facilities, the Government is ensuring that the “Uhuru” flame leaves behind a trail of development.
The decentralisation of such high-profile events, a signature masterstroke of President Mnangagwa’s administration, has effectively turned Maphisa into a hive of activity, with various contractors working around the clock to meet set deadlines.
The epicentre of this activity is the local stadium, the designated venue for the main celebrations.
While the stadium is being primed to host the national leadership and thousands of patriots, the surrounding educational institutions are receiving a comprehensive facelift.
At Mahetshe Primary School, which will host the traditional Children’s Party, a massive construction drive is underway.
Workers are putting the finishing touches on three new classroom blocks, Early Childhood Development (ECD) facilities, and an administration block. Perhaps most symbolic of the drive toward Vision 2030 is the construction of a modern ICT laboratory, ensuring that the rural learner in Matobo is not left behind in the digital age.
The sister institution, Mahetshe Secondary School, is equally a hive of industry.
The school is being equipped with a modern ICT centre, science laboratories, and new staff housing.
Most of these structures have already reached the ring beam level, with artisans working double shifts to ensure completion.
This investment in the “bricks and mortar” of the education sector serves as a bold political statement: that the liberation struggle’s promise of quality education for all is being fulfilled through modern, well-equipped rural schools.
Healthcare, a critical pillar of social development, has not been sidelined in this developmental whirlwind.
Maphisa District Hospital, which provides a lifeline to 19 health facilities across Matobo, is undergoing a major surgical upgrade.
The scope of work includes the refurbishment of the incinerator, the mortuary, and the cold room — facilities that are essential for the dignity of the community.
Furthermore, the installation of new solar-powered boreholes and a piped water system is nearing completion, alongside the renovation of the VVIP and general wards.
The transformation extends to Kezi Rural Hospital, where a new 50-bed facility is rising from the ground.
This particular project carries significant emotional weight for the community, as the old structure had to be decommissioned in 2008 due to extensive termite damage.
Serving nearly 10 000 villagers across four wards, the reconstruction of this referral centre is a direct response to the community’s long-standing grievances.
Gogo Bessy Ndlovu, a resident, expressed the community’s sentiment during a recent visit to the site.
“We have been seeing these renovations being done and we are happy about this development.
“For a long time, we have had to travel long distances for some services not offered here, but with these improvements, our hospital will be able to offer us more services closer to home,” she said, her eyes reflecting the hope of a community that feels finally “seen” by the national leadership.
This sentiment was echoed by Mr Deputy Ndlovu, who hailed the Second Republic’s inclusive approach.
“We want to thank the Second Republic for this development. These improvements show that rural areas are not being forgotten, and we believe this will help to improve service delivery and reduce the challenges we used to face,” he said.
Connectivity is the backbone of any economic transformation, and in Maphisa, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development is leaving nothing to chance.
Matabeleland South provincial engineer, Mangisi Nkomo, revealed that the province’s road network, spanning over 5 000 kilometres, is undergoing significant improvements.
The focus is currently on gravelling and rehabilitating the Bulawayo-Maphisa Road to ensure a smooth transit for the more than 50 000 visitors expected on April 18.
“We are obviously targeting the Bulawayo-Kezi route since it’s the main feeder road to the event, but over and above that, crucially so, all feeder roads are being worked on.
“Our road network, as a result of the province hosting the national Uhuru celebrations, will never, ever be the same again,” said Eng Nkomo.
The political significance of these works was underscored during a recent National Working Committee meeting chaired by the Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mr Zvinechimwe Churu.
Addressing stakeholders at the main venue, Mr Churu emphasised that these projects are not merely ceremonial but are intended to provide lasting benefits.
He noted that hosting the 46th Independence commemorations provides a strategic opportunity to accelerate the province’s transport network and related infrastructure.
Water security, often a challenge in the arid regions of Matabeleland, is being addressed through an aggressive borehole drilling programme.
The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) has already drilled 67 boreholes across the district, including four at the main stadium.
These are not just for the event; they are the foundation for the Presidential Rural Development Programme.
Zinwa is also establishing 24 village and school business units in Maphisa, which feature solar-powered boreholes, drip technology horticulture, and fish ponds.
To date, 11 of these units are complete, proving that the Independence celebrations are a catalyst for permanent food security.
The economic “multiplier effect” is already being felt by local businesses.
Mrs Ellen Moyo, a local fast-food outlet owner, noted that the influx of officials and construction workers has created a mini-boom.
“We are recording brisk business like never before. The preparations have breathed life into our local economy even before the celebrations begin,” she said.
Similarly, in the tourism sector, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry is constructing 10 traditional rondavels to provide heritage-themed accommodation.
These will remain as permanent tourism assets for the district. Mr Andy Gandidze, operations manager at Metro Properties, highlighted the youth empowerment aspect of these projects.
“We are training more than 50 local youths who will be deployed at our villas, which are now 90 percent complete. This is a development we are very proud of.”
As the clock ticks toward April 18, Maphisa stands as a testament to the power of political will and the philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
When the national flag is hoisted in the Matobo breeze this year, it will fly over a district that has been fundamentally and permanently transformed.
