Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
HOSTING this year’s Independence Celebrations is a historic moment that the Matabeleland South community says it will cherish for years to come.
This year’s Independence Day Celebrations will be held at Maphisa Stadium in Matobo District on Saturday.
The Children’s Party will take place at Mahetshe Primary School in Maphisa, while Minda Primary School will host the music gala.
Hosting the national event has already brought significant development to the province through legacy projects implemented across all seven districts. These include the construction of the Gwanda-Maphisa Road, 41 science laboratories, classroom blocks, as well as the rehabilitation and expansion of health facilities, among other initiatives.
Gwanda District War Veterans chairman, Cde Ndabezinhle Nyoni, said hosting Independence Day is a great honour for the province, particularly in recognition of the role played by liberation heroes from the region.
He said the honour accorded to Father Zimbabwe, the late Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, is deeply appreciated by the people of Matabeleland South.
“As freedom fighters and veterans of the liberation struggle we take pride in being honoured by being granted an opportunity to host this year’s Independence Celebrations. When we see an important event like the Independence Celebrations being moved from Harare to other provinces we see devolution and decentralisation come into play, which is one of the things we fought to gain.
“We thank Government under the leadership of His Excellency President Mnangagwa for bringing Independence to the people as they are the ones who fought to liberate this country. The celebrations might be in Maphisa District but as the Gwanda community we feel really honoured as it’s not about the district but the entire province,” he said.
Cde Nyoni said the gesture by President Mnangagwa demonstrates recognition of the province’s contribution to the liberation struggle and reflects efforts by the Second Republic to devolve power.
Matabeleland South National Assembly youth quota representative, Cde Tinashe Mushipe, said young people in the province were excited to be part of the historic occasion.
“As youths from this province we don’t take this honour we have been given as a province for granted and we are delighted to be a part of it. This honour that we are witnessing today is a result of the dedicated work by our elders who fought to liberate the country. We will definitely be in the forefront as we celebrate this day,” he said.
Zanu-PF Matabeleland South Women’s League chairlady, Cde Sindisiwe Nleya, said women from the province also played a significant role in the liberation struggle, making the celebrations an important opportunity to honour their contribution.
Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, urged residents to turn out in large numbers, noting that preparations for the event were progressing well.
Minister Nguluvhe said hosting the national celebrations is a great honour and has already accelerated development in the province.
“We are gearing up for hosting of the Independence Celebrations and a lot of work has been done to prepare the venue and to put everything in order. A lot of effort has been put and the province has displayed a united front in order to make this day a success.
“We don’t this historic opportunity for granted and we will be hosting this year’s Independence Celebrations with pride and a spirit of patriotism. I urge every resident of the province to have this mindset,” he said.
Next year’s Independence Day celebrations and Children’s Party will be held in Masvingo in 2027, in line with the rotational hosting system adopted under the Second Republic’s devolution agenda.
Since 2021, the celebrations have been held across different provinces, including Harare (2021), Bulawayo (2022),
Mashonaland Central (2023), Manicaland (2024) and Midlands (2025).
The rotational system is aimed at driving infrastructure development and inclusive growth across the country. — @DubeMatutu.
