Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE Matabeleland South Provincial Development Committee (PDC) has intensified preparations for the 2026 Independence Day celebrations, with authorities pushing for the timely completion of key infrastructure projects earmarked for the event.
Addressing PDC members in Gwanda on Thursday, Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mrs Latiso Dlamini-Maseko, urged ministries, departments and agencies to expedite the disbursement and proper utilisation of Government funds allocated towards the projects.
She also called for prudent management of resources, including contributions from well-wishers.
“I was looking into the progress we are making as we prepare to host the Independence Day Celebrations and I can safely say we are gaining traction. A lot has been done and a lot is being done,” said Mrs Dlamini-Maseko.
She said the Gwanda-Maphisa Road project had been accelerated to ensure completion within set timelines.
“As we move forward, I urge all of you to rise to the occasion. We are the implementers and engines of this year’s Independence Day celebrations. We are not only doing this for our province, but for the nation,” she said.
Mrs Dlamini-Maseko directed stakeholders to hold regular meetings, produce progress reports and monitor projects on the ground, adding that meetings will be held fortnightly, increasing to weekly in March and, if necessary, daily as the celebrations draw closer.
Projects being implemented ahead of the celebrations include road construction, school infrastructure development, drilling of boreholes and construction of a stadium where the main event will be held.
Mahetshe Primary School in Maphisa, which will host the Children’s Party, is undergoing extensive upgrades. These include the renovation of classroom blocks, construction of eight new classroom blocks and eight modern teachers’ cottages, establishment of two Early Childhood Development (ECD) classroom blocks, a computer laboratory and upgrading of the sports field.
Mahetshe Secondary School will have a 700-seater hall, four classroom blocks, an A-Level block, a computer laboratory, two science laboratories, an administration block, staff toilets and additional teachers’ cottages.
The 65-kilometre Gwanda-Maphisa Road is also under construction, with works underway from both ends. Once completed, the road is expected to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic activity by linking key economic centres such as Arda Antelope, Makwe Irrigation Scheme, two border posts and tourist attractions in Matobo.
The road will significantly reduce travel time between Gwanda and surrounding districts, particularly Matobo, improving access to services and unlocking opportunities in mining, agriculture and tourism.
As part of the legacy projects, 41 science laboratories are being constructed at schools across the province.
This year’s Independence Day celebrations and Children’s Party will be held under the theme: “Zim@46 – Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030.”
The theme aligns with the Government’s national development agenda to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 through inclusive growth, infrastructure development and social cohesion.
Under the Second Republic’s Devolution Agenda, Independence Day and Children’s Party celebrations were decentralised and adopted a rotational hosting format across the country’s 10 provinces starting in 2021.
Harare hosted in 2021, Bulawayo in 2022, Mashonaland Central in 2023, Manicaland in 2024 and Midlands in 2025. Last year’s celebrations were held in Gokwe North District, Midlands Province.
The rotational approach seeks to use the national events as catalysts for infrastructure development and socio-economic transformation in host provinces.
