Sidumisile Mabena
Nqobile Bhebhe in Maphisa
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has expressed profound gratitude to the people of Maphisa, Matobo District and Matabeleland South Province for successfully hosting the 46th Independence Day celebrations held at Maphisa Stadium.
This year’s celebrations are running under the theme: “Zim@46 – Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030,” which dovetails with the Government’s broader national development agenda aimed at transforming Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy by 2030 through inclusive growth, infrastructure development and social cohesion.
Thousands of people from all walks of life thronged Maphisa Stadium, reflecting a strong spirit of patriotism and national pride.
In his keynote address, President Mnangagwa commended the community for its warm hospitality, unity and patriotic spirit, which reflects the true essence of the country’s independence.
He used isiNdebele, Shona and English to thank Maphisa community.
“Thank you, Matabeleland South Province; thank you Matobo District; thank you Maphisa, for receiving the nation here on these sacred lands, as we celebrate our Independence,” said the President.
“Thank you for turning out in your large numbers. Siyalibonga, Silitshayela ihlombe.
“Tinokutendayi, tinoku korokotedzayi. Magona. Amhlophe,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the successful hosting of the national event by Maphisa was testimony to the collective commitment by Zimbabweans across all provinces to build and modernise the country in line with national aspirations.
“I wish to commend all the people of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe. Province by province, district by district you are uplifting our country, the economy and our communities,” he said.
“Your hard work, resourcefulness, entrepreneurship and resilience, is paying off.”
The President said the unity and dedication being exhibited across the country were critical pillars in safeguarding the gains of independence and driving national development.
“Throughout the country, we are demonstrating a high sense of duty and responsibility, in the best interest of our nation.
“Let’s continue to defend, safeguard, and preserve this hard-won freedom and independence. This is the only country we call home, given to us by Almighty God,” he said.
“No-one else will build our country Zimbabwe for us. That duty lies with us all.”
President Mnangagwa further reiterated that Zimbabwe’s development trajectory rests in the hands of its citizens, emphasising the importance of ownership and collective responsibility.
“Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo/Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo.
“Zimbabwe is a mature, people-centred democracy and sovereign nation,” he said.
The President said the Independence Day commemorations provided an opportunity for Zimbabweans to reflect on their shared identity and unity, forged through the liberation struggle.
“As we commemorate our 46th Independence Celebrations, we once again reaffirm that we are one, united people. Singabantu banye. Simunye, sibambene. Tirivanhu vamwechete. Takabatana.
“We are patriotic and loyal to our motherland, Zimbabwe. From Plumtree to Mutare, from Beitbridge to Chirundu, we shall be persistently vigilant and on guard to protect and defend this Independence, which was paid for by the sacred blood of many sons and daughters of the soil,” he said.
The colourful celebrations at Maphisa Stadium brought together people from all walks of life, underscoring the growing success of the Government’s decentralisation programme, which is taking national events to different parts of the country while leaving lasting developmental footprints.
The President’s message of appreciation resonated deeply with the massive crowd, as Maphisa etched its place in history as host of this year’s landmark Independence celebrations.
Online Reporter