Nation celebrates Independence

other centres countrywide to celebrate the 31st anniversary of independence.
The three principals in the inclusive Government President Mugabe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara graced the celebrations in Harare where people paid heed to calls not to put on party regalia.
All the MDC formations and other political parties were represented in Harare and in the festivities held throughout the country.
In Harare, people started coming to the venue as early 6am and by the time the official proceedings started, the stadium was full to capacity and at noon people were being turned away.
There were massive displays by school children, members of the Defence Forces who showcased some military tactics, cultural groups and the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
School children displayed messages that supported the anti-sanctions campaign and denounced the illegal sanctions and their impact on the economy.
There were wild cheers when President arrived after 11am with the people chanting; “Gushungo, Gushungo, Gushungo.”
Sulumani Chimbetu’s performance set the crowd wild with his scintillating songs such as Kwedu.
Senior Government officials, service chiefs, officials from Zanu-PF and the MDCs as well as senior civil servants and defence chiefs from the region graced the celebrations in Harare.
This year’s theme of Unity, Peace and Development was well amplified and displayed on banners together with some other key sectors of the economy such as land.
The country celebrates Independence Day this year after having scored massive strides towards the implementation of Indeginisation and Empowerment programmes.
Minister of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development, Ignatius Chombo, lauded President Mugabe for his foresight demonstrated by the people oriented policies adopted and implemented by the Government since independence.
“The social services experienced positive and phenomenal growth as the impetus was given to the demand- driven expansion of health and the education sector.
“Achievements in the education sector provide an eloquent testimony to the veritable efforts made towards the enhancement of Government delivery in the social services sphere,” he said.
Zimbabwe has the highest literacy rate in Africa and is among the highest in the world as confirmed by UNESCO.
In Mashonaland Central province, the main celebrations went on well at Chipadze Stadium, where the Governor and Resident Minister, Advocate Martin Dinha presided over the event.
There was a huge turnout and some local artists, among them a Shamva Arts group presented a play on Mbuya Nehanda.
There was a massive party for everyone who thronged Chipadze Stadium and 21 cattle, nine pigs and 150 chickens were slaughtered.
Thousands of people thronged Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo to join the rest of the country in celebrating the 31st anniversary of Zimbabwe’s Independence.
All political parties in the Inclusive Government and other opposition parties were represented.
Zanu-PF was represented by provincial chairman CdeLovemore Matuke, MDC-T by vice chairman, Mr Ransome Makamure and the MDC by Mr Robson Mashiri.
The proceedings started as early as 7 am with the drum majorettes and army detachments making some displays Masvingo Governor and Resident Minister, Titus Maluleke inspected the guard of honour before reading the Presidential speech.
The ZCC band and the Masvingo Remand Prison Inmates band also took time to thrill the crowd.
In the Midlands province, thousands of people attended the celebrations, which were held at the traditional Mkoba Stadium in Gweru.
Proceedings started as early as 9am with Midlands Governor Jason Machaya inspecting a guard of honour before delivering the presidential speech.
Governor Machaya commended all the political parties for attending the celebrations and urged them to always remember the importance of commemorating the anniversary.
After the formal proceedings, the public was entertained by Amai Patai, the army and air force and police dog displays.
In Beitbridge, hundreds of people from all walks of life gathered at Dulibadzimu Stadium as early as 8 am. All the political parties were represented.
Home Affairs co-Minister, Kembo Mohadi led the proceedings, which were witnessed by over 1 000 people.
Thousands of people gathered at Chinhoyi Stadium where the entertainment line-up included comedian-cum-musician Kapfupi and displays from the uniformed forces.
Mashonaland West provincial Governor and Resident Minister Faber Chidarikire inspected a four detachment parade before reading the President’s speech.
In Manicaland, thousands of people attended the 31st Independence celebrations.
Manicaland Governor and Resident Minister, Chris Mushohwe, read the presidential speech before a capacity crowd of more than 20 000 people that braved the morning chilly weather to attend the Uhuru celebrations at Sakubva Stadium.
The armed forces kept attendees on their feet with their slow and quick matches.
The Mutare City Council’s dog section also exhibited their drills, much to the excitement of the crowd.
Apart from the drills on the main arena, this year’s celebrations were much lively with food in abundance.
A 1,5 tonne elephant was slaughtered for the occasion, plus additional five cows.
However, the top brass of the MDC-T in Manicaland did not attend the celebrations save for the MDC faction.
In Bulawayo, scores of people gathered at the White City Stadium to celebrate Zimbabwe’s 31st Independence anniversary.
The Minister of Mines and Mining Development who is also House of Assembly Member for Umguza constituency, Obert Mpofu, was the guest of honour and read the President’s speech.
Zapu leader Dr Dumiso Dabengwa, Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial chairman, Cde Isaac Dakamela, Zanu-PF Politburo member, Dr Sikhanyiso Ndlovu, Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube, Zanu-PF Politburo Secretary for the Youth League, Cde Absolom Sikhosana, Zanu-PF Deputy Secretary for Women’s Affairs, Cde Eunice Sandi Moyo, service chiefs and heads of Government departments graced the celebrations.
The celebrations were marked with a colourful parade by the uniformed forces and lots of entertainment from various groups such as the LMG choir, police band, and Insika Yesizwe.
Governor and Resident Minister for Matabeleland South province, Angeline Masuku was the guest of honour and read the President’s speech.
Deputy Minister for Public Service and Zanu-PF Matabeleland South provincial chairman and MP for Insiza North, Cde Andrew Langa, MP for Gwanda Central, Patrick Dube, Gwanda Mayor Lionel De Necker, service chiefs and heads of Government departments graced the occasion.
The celebrations were marked with a colourful parade by the uniformed forces and a lot of entertainment from traditional dance groups from the province.
These include Sabiwa Primary School traditional dance group and Osiyazi dance group.
Soldiers also entertained the crowd with exciting horse displays.
Commenting on the performances after the show, Governor and Resident Minister of Matabeleland North, Sithokozile Mathuthu, said she had been enthused by the children.
“They tell the truth like it is. I have no doubt that listening to them has re-ignited the fires of patriotism in a majority of the people here.
“Their performances give us hope that the country will continue being a sovereign state after we pass.
“I pay tribute to their teachers and parents for teaching them the importance of the country and this day at such an early age,” said Governor Mathuthu.
She also read the President’s speech.
Impressed VIP guests showered the children with cash.
The Zimbabwe National army’s Dikondo Crew also provided music while other local performers also took turns to entertain the gathering.