adminLeonard Ncube Victoria Falls Reporter
MATABELELAND North Province has cancelled tonight’s Minister’s Ball which was scheduled for Edmund Davies Hall in Hwange after the province failed to attract donors for the traditional event. The Minister’s Ball is held in every province on the eve of Independence Day to raise money for charity.
Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Ambassador Cain Mathema said the province was ready for tomorrow’s celebrations despite the cancellation of the Ball.
Cde Mathema will read President Robert Mugabe’s speech at Somhlolo Stadium in Lupane.
Each district will also hold its own celebrations which are being held under the national theme, “Zimbabwe at 35, consolidating peace and economic sovereignty.”
Cde Mathema told The Chronicle yesterday that companies and individuals were facing economic challenges.
“Last year we made little money from the Minister’s Ball and we’ve realised that it’s not easy under the current economic situation. Times are hard for companies and people to donate and this isn’t affecting Matabeleland North alone,” said the Minister.
He advocated for a mindset change within individuals and businesses where they should celebrate Independence Day the same way they hold in high esteem days such as Valentine’s Day and Easter Holidays.
“My view is that people should start recognising Independence Celebrations at family and corporate level where a family or a business would raise the country’s flag at their get together parties in celebration of our independence. To me celebrating Independence Day is more important than celebrating Christmas Day. Why can’t we have businesses decorating their premises with the country’s colours and sell Independence Day presents the same way they do with Valentine’s day or Easter?” asked Cde Mathema.
He said as much as celebrations are held at provincial and district level, there was a need for Zimbabweans to think about the history and future of the country.
Cde Mathema said Zimbabweans should harness ideas on Independence and other national days for their homes.
He urged people from all corners of the province to come out in their numbers for the Lupane Independence celebrations tomorrow.
“We’re ready for the celebrations and we’re inviting as many people as possible to attend the provincial celebrations in Lupane. There are two beasts and game meat and I will read the President’s speech. We’re, however, still open for donations because we will continue helping the disadvantaged in the province,” he said.
Cde Mathema appealed to people to work together always.
Meanwhile, District Administrators in Matabeleland North province said they were ready for tomorrow’s celebrations. Tapera Mugoria, who is DA for Hwange, said the celebrations would be at Chinotimba Stadium where a soccer match has been organised.
“We’re satisfied with the preparations. There will be a lot of entertainment which includes a soccer match for the Uhuru floating trophy,” he said.
The DA for Tsholotsho, Nosizi Dube said the celebrations would be held at Dibutibu in Ward 4.
“We rotate our hosting venues and this year we will be at Dibutibu under Chief Mathuphula. Everything is in place as we expect more than 2,000 people. We’ve received donations while Professor Jonathan Moyo has promised us more beef and food. The council has also chipped in,” said Dube.
Nkayi DA, Etwell Moses Mbewe said Nkayi High School would be the venue for tomorrow’s Independence Day celebrations. He expressed satisfaction with the support the district organising committee had received from the corporate world and other players in the district.
“All committees were reactivated and people have donated. We appealed to the corporate world and their assistance came in handy,” he said.
In Binga the celebrations will be held at Tinde Business Centre, said the DA, Lydia Banda. Umguza and Bubi are expected to hold their own celebrations as well.
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