Online Reporter
Zimpapers Reporters
TENS of thousands of Zimbabweans thronged venues across the country on Saturday as the nation marked its 46th Independence anniversary through decentralised provincial celebrations, a shift that brought the commemorations closer to communities and underscored the Government’s devolution agenda.
This year’s provincial events were deliberately held outside traditional provincial capitals, in line with the Second Republic’s policy of decentralisation, allowing previously marginalised districts to host national programmes.
The provincial celebrations ran concurrently with the main national event presided over by President Mnangagwa in Maphisa, Matabeleland South province, drawing large crowds and reflecting a strong sense of national pride.
In Harare Metropolitan province, thousands gathered at St Aidan’s Primary School in Chitungwiza, where Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Senator Charles Tawengwa officiated and delivered the Presidential address.
Residents from suburbs including Glen View, Budiriro, Mabvuku and Dzivaresekwa began arriving as early as 8am, forming long queues at the venue.
Many welcomed the decentralised approach, saying it had made the celebrations more accessible.
“I am so happy to be here today. Usually, we see these things on television, but today the celebration has come to us in Chitungwiza. It makes us feel included and recognised,” said Mrs Everjoy Makuvaze of Unit L.
The hosting of the event in Chitungwiza follows last year’s commemorations in Epworth, reinforcing the shift away from centralised venues.
In Midlands province, thousands filled Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane to capacity in what marked the first time since Independence in 1980 that provincial celebrations were held outside Gweru.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube officiated, inspecting a guard of honour comprising detachments from the Zimbabwe National Army, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Air Force of Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service.
The crowd was treated to military drills and entertainment, drawing cheers and ululations.
“I want to thank the Second Republic for decentralising these national events. It’s my first time attending an Independence celebration in my 28 years,” said Runako Banga.
In Manicaland, thousands gathered at Gaza Stadium in Chipinge, filling the venue by mid-morning in appreciation of the Government’s decentralisation policy.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Misheck Mugadza officiated, while a Mozambican delegation led by Manica Province Secretary Professor Lourenco Mateus Lindonde attended in solidarity.
“The celebration of the independence of Zimbabwe is not only for neighbours but for a family that shares the same history and destiny,” said Prof Lindonde, adding that growing trade between Zimbabwe and Mozambique reflects strengthening economic ties.
Masvingo province hosted its main event at Gibbo Stadium in Chiredzi, also for the first time under the decentralisation drive.
Thousands packed the venue, with proceedings including a parade mounted by members of the uniformed forces and traditional dance performances.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira officiated, while a Mozambican delegation led by Gaza Province Secretary of State Jaime Bessa Augusto Neto delivered a solidarity message.
“Mozambicans suffered to help Zimbabwe attain independence, and Zimbabwe also sacrificed for Mozambique. Our relationship is rooted in shared history,” said Mr Neto.
In Mashonaland Central, celebrations were held at Chimhanda Grounds in Rushinga, where Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo led proceedings after commissioning Chimhanda School of Nursing.
Festivities included traditional performances, sporting activities and participation from a Zambian delegation led by Luangwa District Commissioner Luke Chikani, who reaffirmed strong bilateral ties.
Similarly, Mashonaland East commemorations were held at Chikondoma Stadium in Mutoko, where thousands gathered for celebrations officiated by Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Itayi Ndudzo.
The event featured military displays, entertainment and exhibitions, and was attended by a Mozambican delegation led by Tete Provincial Secretary of State Cristina de Jesus Xavier Mafumi, who commended Zimbabwe’s enduring independence legacy.
Across the provinces, the decentralised commemorations highlighted the growing importance of taking national events to grassroots communities, fostering inclusivity, national unity and a shared sense of ownership of the country’s independence celebrations.
In Mashonaland West, St Michael High School in Siakobvu, Kariba District, was a hive of activity as thousands of people from across the province gathered to commemorate Independence Day.
Traditional leaders and members of the predominantly Tonga-speaking community welcomed the decentralisation and rotation of national events, saying the move had brought both recognition and tangible development to previously marginalised areas.
Residents pointed to a number of legacy projects linked to the hosting of the celebrations, including the rehabilitation of the Karoi–Binga Road, which is now trafficable, the drilling of boreholes and electrification of Chidyamugwamu Clinic.
Chief Msampakaruma said the decentralisation the celebrations was transforming rural communities.
“Hosting the 2026 Independence celebrations has brought with it development, including the rehabilitation of the Karoi–Binga Road,” he said.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo said Government would continue rotating the venues for national events to accelerate development at the grassroots.
“We have seen development projects associated with hosting the event here in Siakobvu,” she said.
“The road has been rehabilitated, several boreholes have been drilled and we recently handed over an ambulance to Siakobvu, along with US$20 000 from President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.”
She added that Chidyamugwamu Clinic had been electrified, while efforts were underway to restore water supplies at Siakobvu Hospital.
