Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
MATABELELAND SOUTH has commenced preparations to host Zimbabwe’s main Independence Day celebrations and the Children’s Party in 2026. This follows last week’s announcement confirming the southern province as the next host for the nation’s flagship national events, with Masvingo Province set to follow in 2027.
This rotational hosting system, introduced in 2021 under the Second Republic’s Devolution Agenda, marks a shift from the long-standing tradition of holding national celebrations exclusively in the capital, Harare.
The initiative aims to promote inclusivity, national unity and development in all the provinces.
In his post-Cabinet briefing last Tuesday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, announced that Cabinet had approved new criteria to guide the selection of future host provinces for both the Independence Day commemorations and the Children’s Party.
In an interview, the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Albert Nguluvhe, said the province was honoured and fully committed to the task ahead.
“We appreciate the mantra of His Excellency President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa of leaving no place behind, as it seeks to give equal opportunities to all regions. Hosting Independence celebrations is one way of fulfilling that vision,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe noted that the commemorations will not only unite communities and celebrate the country’s hard-won independence, but also bring tangible development to the host district.
“We’ve witnessed the Government roll out major development projects in districts that previously hosted the celebrations. This opportunity will help us market Matabeleland South and unlock investment opportunities,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe revealed that provincial leaders will soon convene a meeting with stakeholders who include Zanu-PF senior members from the province, representatives of local authorities and traditional leaders, who include chiefs to work on the preparation programme.
“We want to begin the planning process as soon as possible. Through teamwork and unity, I’m confident we will deliver a memorable event. I urge every stakeholder to play their part. My wish is for us to strategically choose a host district where the event can leave behind a lasting legacy in the form of development projects,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe also called on citizens across the province to embrace the historic moment and prepare to actively participate in the celebrations.
This year’s national celebrations, the 45th Independence Day celebrations, were at Mutora Business Centre in Nembudziya, Gokwe North District, Midlands Province.
The other provinces that have played host to the national celebrations since the start of the rotation system are Harare (2021), Bulawayo (2022), Mashonaland Central (2023) and Manicaland (2024).
The hosting of the Independence Day celebrations in Gokwe North transformed the rural business centre, with significant investments made in infrastructure and community development.
A new 2 000-seater stadium was constructed at Nembudziya Open Grounds.
In addition to the stadium, various legacy projects were implemented, to improve the lives of people in Midlands Province, particularly in Gokwe North District. These included the construction and rehabilitation of educational infrastructure such as classrooms, hostels and laboratories as well as upgrades to cultural heritage sites, liberation struggle memorials and public facilities.
The Government also made substantial investments in health infrastructure, including the refurbishment of the School of Nursing, the upgrading of the VVIP ward, and the construction of a mortuary.
A total of 20 sites offering telemedicine services were established and connected to the internet at rural health centres and Gokwe North District Hospital.
Furthermore, water and sanitation projects were implemented, including the drilling of new boreholes and the repair of existing ones. In total, 57 Village Business Units were established, and 37 boreholes were repaired and 12 of them were solar-powered.
These initiatives were meant to improve the quality of life for Gokwe North residents in line with the Government’s philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind.”
The Independence Day commemorations, held annually on 18 April, mark Zimbabwe’s liberation from colonial rule in 1980. Under the new rotational system, the celebrations have become a platform to showcase provincial development and cultural diversity, while reinforcing the national vision of inclusive growth and unity.
@DubeMatutu
