Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
COMPANIES operating in Matabeleland South will be given first preference to provide services ahead of the 2026 Independence Day celebrations, which the province will host, while local communities, especially youths, will be prioritised for employment opportunities.
Several infrastructure development projects are already underway in Matabeleland South in preparation for the national event, which will be held at Maphisa, Matobo District. These include road construction, rehabilitation and expansion of schools and health facilities and the drilling of boreholes, among other developments.
Speaking during a Zanu-PF Matabeleland South Provincial Co-ordinating Committee (PCC) meeting in Gwanda, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe, who is also the Zanu-PF deputy provincial chairperson, said the provincial leadership must play a critical role to ensure the province hosts a successful Independence event.
“We expect companies from Matabeleland South to benefit from the projects which will be implemented in the province during the period leading to the Independence celebrations. If there is anything that needs to be supplied, let it be supplied locally,” he said.
“We also expect companies that will be contracted to employ our local youths. From here, we will be holding meetings twice a week, and I will be going to Maphisa every month to ensure that as a province, we do our best in hosting this important event.”
Minister Nguluvhe provided an update on the progress of ongoing projects, noting that they will bring lasting development and improve livelihoods.
“We have commenced work on critical projects for the independence, and among them we are going to tar the Gwanda-Maphisa Road and rehabilitate the Bulawayo-Kezi Road. We have already started clearing the main arena,” he said.
The minister said the preliminary site layout for the Independence Stadium has been completed.
“There are two dozers and a grader on site and a low-bed truck. We expect an excavator soon.
Approximately five hectares have been cleared so far at the stadium,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
Key road works include the 55km Gwanda-Maphisa Road with works on 10km already underway while the remaining 45km will be tendered.
For the Bulawayo-Kezi-Maphisa Road, 42,1km will be resealed and it is divided into five lots of 12,5km per contractor.
Minister Nguluvhe said other legacy projects include the construction of the Plumtree-Maitengwe, Plumtree- Tsholotsho, Plumtree-Ndolwane and Filabusi-Avoca 10km roads.
The Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (Rida) has also targeted 395km of regravelling in Matobo District to enhance rural accessibility.
Other developments include the upgrading of the late former Vice-President Joshua Nkomo’s homestead in Ward 8, Matobo District, one of the flagship projects, drilling of boreholes, establishment of Village Business Units (VBUs) and upgrading of infrastructure in schools and health centres.
Zana-PF Matabeleland South provincial chairperson Cde Nqobizitha Ndlovu said the party would work tirelessly to ensure the successful hosting of the national celebrations.
“The Independence Day celebrations fit very well into our core business as the revolutionary party. It’s up to us as the party leadership to ensure that we support the vision of His Excellency President Mnangagwa, who gave us a task to host next year’s Independence Day celebrations,” he said.
“We will play a crucial role in preparing for the event as well as mobilising communities so they can embrace this significant day. In the same vein, let’s not forget to educate people about this day and the role each citizen has to preserve it.” — @DubeMatutu
