Online Reporter
Online Reporter
MATABELELAND South province is set to host the 2026 Independence Day celebrations after Cabinet on Tuesday approved the criteria for the selection of a venue for hosting the Uhuru commemorations.
Speaking during a cabinet briefing, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere revealed that Matabeleland South had been selected to host next year’s commemorations, while Masvingo province will play host in 2027.
He said that, according to the criteria which had been approved, priority will be given to provinces with the greatest infrastructure development needs.
“Cabinet approved criteria to determine future hosts for Independence Day Celebrations and Children’s Party events, based on the national Infrastructure Deficit Index. This prioritises provinces with the greatest infrastructure development needs among those that have not yet hosted the Uhuru celebrations.
“The goal is to use these events to drive infrastructure growth in targeted areas. In accordance with the approved criteria, the Independence Day Celebrations and Children’s Party are scheduled to be held in Matabeleland South Province in 2026 and in Masvingo Province in 2027,” said Dr Muswere.
The rotation of provinces hosting Independence Day and the Children’s Party Celebrations has seen five provinces take turns hosting the events, starting with Harare, 2021; Bulawayo, 2022; Mashonaland Central, 2023; Manicaland, 2024; and Midlands, 2025.
“In the past, the Independence Day Celebrations and Children’s Party events were consolidated in Harare. Notwithstanding this precedent, the Second Republic’s Devolution Agenda catalysed a transformative shift, decentralising these events and instituting a rotational format across the
ten provinces, commencing in 2021,” said the Minister.
