Online Reporter
The Herald, 18 April 1986
INDEPENDENCE celebrations started early yesterday for more than 2 000 school pupils from all over the country at a reception hosted by the Prime Minister, Cde Mugabe, at the Harare International Conference Centre. Cde Mugabe, Cabinet ministers Government officials and other dignitaries cheered as cultural groups including Safirio “Mukadota” Madzikatire and his band sang and danced to mark the 6th anniversary of the country’s independence.
Speaking at the occasion, the Prime Minister said the event was the first of its kind as it and brought together school pupils representing all the country’s provinces. “This is the first time we have made this event for school pupils truly national,” he said.
“Before, it was children mainly from around Harare who attended the function.” Cde Mugabe gave the pupils a brief account of conditions that had led the people of Zimbabwe to take up arms and fight for freedom. “Our people were living under conditions of some slavery. That was the past, a very bitter past,”
Lessons for today:
Involving children in independence celebrations helps educate them about their country’s history, the significance of independence, and the sacrifices made by previous generations. This fosters a sense of national pride and understanding of their heritage.
By participating in these celebrations, children learn about and help preserve cultural traditions and practices. This ensures that the values and stories of the nation’s struggle for independence are passed down to future generations.
Independence celebrations in Zimbabwe are now being held outside Harare as part of the government’s efforts to decentralise national events and promote inclusivity. This initiative, led by President Mnangagwa, aims to ensure that all regions of the country feel included in national development and celebrations.
This approach aligns with the government’s devolution strategy, which seeks to decentralise economic activities and bring development to previously marginalised areas.
By rotating the location of these significant events, the government hopes to foster a sense of unity and national pride across all regions of Zimbabwe.
This year, Zimbabwe’s Independence Day celebrations will be held in Nembudziya, Gokwe North, Midlands Province on April 18, 2025. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Zim@45: Devolve and Develop Together Towards Vision 2030”
The festivities will included a Children’s Party yesterday at Nyamuroro High School, and an Independence Gala at Nembudziya Government High School on April 18.
