Vusumuzi Dube
Mukudzei Chingwere, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT has expressed satisfaction with preparations for the 46th national Independence Day celebrations and the accompanying Children’s Party, which will be held in Matobo District, Matabeleland South.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Zhemu Soda told reporters after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting in Harare that final touches were being prioritised to ensure the venues and infrastructure are fully functional ahead of the ceremonies.
He appealed to residents and visitors to cooperate with authorities during the period and assured the nation that Cabinet will continue to monitor progress to guarantee safe and successful commemorations.
Minister Soda said a combination of infrastructure upgrades, health and security preparations and cultural projects will ensure the Uhuru anniversary is commemorated with due dignity and that some benefits will leave a lasting legacy in Matabeleland South.
“As previously communicated, the 46th Independence Day Anniversary Celebrations and the 2026 Children’s Party will be hosted at Maphisa Growth Point in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province,” said Minister Soda.
“The Children’s Party is scheduled to take place at Mahetshe Primary School, while the Independence Gala will be held at Minda Primary School within the same district.
“To ensure the successful hosting of these events, significant progress has been made in various infrastructure developments,” he added.
Minister Soda said the main arena, which includes the stadium, has been completed, while plumbing and electrical works are currently underway. Additionally, pitch excavation, levelling, drainage and fencing are approaching completion.
“The parking area has been cleared and partially levelled, with gravelling works continuing to register,” said Minister Soda.
He said regarding school upgrades, Mahetshe Primary and Secondary Schools, as well as Minda High School, have reached 100 percent completion of their superstructures, with major facilities such as classrooms, laboratories, staff houses, and renovations nearing completion.
Meanwhile, Minister Soda said construction has commenced at Shashane High School and Kezi Primary School.
“Construction of the Bulawayo-Kezi-Maphisa and Gwanda-Maphisa Roads is currently underway, with some sections nearing completion. The construction of additional roads across the province is progressing smoothly,” said Minister Soda.
“Furthermore, there has been significant progress in bridge de-siltation, as well as the rehabilitation of access roads.
“Borehole drilling and water infrastructure development are currently ongoing to support local communities and businesses. The Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo Polytechnic is also nearing completion, with the structures now ready for commissioning.”
Furthermore, Minister Soda said the cultural and memorial projects, including the Ratanyana Battle Site Museum, graves at District Heroes Acres, the former Zezane Assembly Point and Manama Mission School, are progressing steadily towards completion.
He said Maphisa District Hospital and Kezi Rural Hospital are nearing completion with emergency infrastructure, including a Command Centre at Maphisa, being established.
On power supply, the minister said installations at the Bazha-Fumungwe project and Maphisa Stadium are almost complete.
Additionally, distribution of Starlink kits, laptops, and printers is ongoing with the aim of enhancing communications across the host province.
Online Reporter
derick.khumalo