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Feature, Tinomuda Chakanyuka
PEOPLE in Matobo District, also known as Kezi District in Matabeleland South Province are an excited folk.
The district, later this month, will host this year’s edition of the 21st February Movement Celebrations and the community is already in party mode.
From elders tendering the fields, women fetching water and children coming from school, talk is all about the celebrations.
Contrary to claims by some ill-intentioned political activists that the community was resentful to the idea of hosting President Mugabe’s 93rd birthday, people from the area relishing the opportunity. President Mugabe turns 93 years old on 21 February.
Preparations for the bash are in motion and are already at an advanced stage with locals anticipating fireworks.
This year’s celebrations will be held at Rhodes Estate Preparatory School. While February is generally the month of love, for Matobo community the month has taken a completely different meaning of love. It is the love of hosting the country’s leader in their area.
It is the first time that the district has hosted such an event, and the local people are looking forward to wining, dining, dancing and merry with the First Family. Locals who spoke to Sunday News during a visit to the district this week expressed excitement at hosting such a high profile event.
Phakama village head Mr Richman Ndlovu said local people were grateful to the organisers of the birthday celebrations for choosing their area as the place to host such a high profile event. Mr Ndlovu said such an opportunity was rare and local people were excited. He dismissed reports that the Matobo community did not welcome the idea
“We are very happy. I can’t explain the excitement. Everyone is looking forward to the event. As far as I know everyone here is looking forward to the celebrations. Those who are saying otherwise are not from here. They are speaking from their offices in the city and they can’t speak on our behalf,” he said.
Mr Ndlovu’s sentiments were echoed by Ward 25 councillor Cde Lucy Hlatshwayo who said the Matobo community felt privileged to be hosting the 21st February Movement Celebrations. Clr Hlatshwayo said members of the Matobo community were actively involved in the preparations, a sign that they were looking forward to the event.
“People are excited. In Ward 25 we are busy mobilising resources and everyone is putting whatever little they can for the event to be a success. This just shows the level of excitement here. Everyone is looking forward to the event,” she said.
“Locals are looking forward to the celebrations. Even the business community has been very supportive,” she said.
Mr Lovemore Ngwenya of Nyandeni village said the Matobo community considers it a rare privilege to host the President’s birthday celebrations and welcomes the opportunity with open arms.
“It is not every day that you get high profile people visiting our area all at once. I think this would be the first time in years and we can’t miss that for anything. I doubt there is anyone who is not looking forward to the event. Almost everywhere you go where people will be gathered, talk is about the event and its prospects,” he said.
Another villager from Nyandeni, who only identified herself as MaTshuma said hosting the event had a lot of significance for the area.
“It means a lot to us. It shows that we have not been forgotten. It shows the country’s leadership recognises us. All this while when the event was being hosted in other parts of the country, we yearned for a chance. Now our chance has come and we are grateful,” she said.
Matobo District Administrator Mr Robert Mzezewa, who is also co-chairperson of the district organising committee, said the district was expecting a memorable event. Mr Mzezewa said preparations were now at an advanced stage with a significant amount of resources now in place for the event. He said the district had set a target of raising $18 000 and was amply receiving support from the local business community.
“As a district we responded to the request to host the event and we are working. We have approached our traditional donors, miners, business people and farmers and they have pledged to assist us,” he said.
Added the DA; “Some have pledged to provide transport, some pledged cash, and some have already donated cattle, fuel and so on. Our target is to raise $18 000 and we are on course. So far we have raised quite a significant amount and we are confident we will meet out target.
“Generally people are happy and excited. I’ve not heard any locals complain about the event. Actually we are getting inquiries from people across the district wanting to know how they can assist in the preparations. We have others pleading with us to organise transport for them to attend the function,” he said.
Mr Mzezewa said the venue was almost ready to host the event, and final touches were now being done.
“Everything is in place at the venue now. We have sorted out the reception area. What’s now left is to cut grass around the venue and we have already secured a tractor for that task,” he said.
Last week the Matabeleland South organising committee met at Matopo Research Station to discuss preparations for the event.
At least 100 000 guests are expected to come for the event. Last year the celebrations were held at Great Zimbabwe in Masvingo.
— @irielyan
Online Reporter