Midlands Province ready for Independence Day, 17 000 expected at Mandava Stadium

THE Midlands Province is ready to deliver an exciting Independence Day celebration experience at Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane where about 17 000 people are expected, with authorities confirming that preparations are at an advanced stage.

Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Owen Ncube, expressed satisfaction with progress made so far in terms of preparing for the event in Zvishavane.

He said this after touring Mandava Stadium to assess the level of preparedness.

Minister Ncube was accompanied by the Zanu-PF Midlands Provincial leadership and Government officials, who witnessed drills by the uniformed forces as they made final rehearsals ahead of the important event.

“This is a certainty. We are going to hold our celebrations here this Saturday. Everything is in place to ensure the event will be a success,” he said.

Zimbabwe is marking its 46th independence anniversary this year, with the national event set for Maphisa, Matobo District in Matabeleland South.

The programme will run under the national theme: “‘Zim@46-Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030”

President Mnangagwa will lead the national event proceedings at Maphisa on Saturday.

Minister Ncube said they were expecting to host 17 000 people at Mandava Stadium drawn from all districts, to mark the historic event.

He noted that logistical arrangements are now largely complete, with transport mobilised to ferry people to the main venue.

“We have secured sufficient transport to carry people from districts, including Zvishavane and surrounding areas. Beyond transport, we have set up co-ordinated feeding centres across administrative districts, where attendees will gather for meals after the main proceedings,” said the minister.

He commended the Second Republic for the push to decentralise national events and widen public participation. Last year, the Midlands province hosted the national Uhuru celebrations in Gokwe, where the Government rolled out massive legacy development projects.

Meanwhile, Silobela Constituency Legislature Cde Jonah Nyevera said he has donated 21 head of cattle towards food to be consumed by people attending the Independence Day celebrations across the constituency.

“We have 13 Wards in the constituency, and I have donated 21 cattle towards the event. Remember, Independence Day, marking Zimbabwe’s break from colonial rule in 1980, remains one of the country’s most unifying public holidays. So, the people should have a great time,” he said.