Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, [email protected]
ZANU-PF Politburo member and Matabeleland South Senator, Cde Richard Ndlovu, has praised the selection of Maphisa in Matobo District, Matabeleland South province, as the host venue for the 46th Independence Day celebrations.
He said the gesture aligns with President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind.”
The Second Republic’s decision to decentralise national events has seen the main festivities being taken to Matobo District, a development Cde Ndlovu said has spurred major infrastructure upgrades and life-changing legacy projects.
In an interview, Cde Ndlovu expressed satisfaction with the province’s level of preparedness and the pace of developmental works underway as the country readies itself for the national commemorations.
“We are deeply honoured to host the national Independence Day celebrations in Matabeleland South, particularly in Maphisa, the home of the late veteran nationalist and Vice-President, Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo. This is a significant moment for us.
“The selection of Maphisa is a profound recognition of the historical and revolutionary weight of Matabeleland South. For many years, national milestones were restricted to the major cities, but today, the heartbeat of Zimbabwe’s freedom is felt right here in the dust where our liberation heroes once walked.”
Cde Ndlovu said the “Independence effect” was being felt across the province’s seven districts — Gwanda, Beitbridge, Insiza, Matobo, Umzingwane, Mangwe and Bulilima.
“As a direct result of the decision to host the celebrations in Maphisa, all feeder roads in these districts are being rehabilitated to ensure easy access for the thousands of people travelling to the venue. While we are grateful, we are also appealing to the authorities to expedite these works to ensure smooth movement during the festivities.”
Cde Ndlovu said the transformation extended beyond road rehabilitation to encompass health, education and heritage sites.
“The Second Republic, under the leadership of His Excellency, Cde ED Mnangagwa, is leaving a permanent footprint in our province. We are seeing the construction of new classroom blocks, ECD facilities, an administration block, and a state-of-the-art ICT laboratory at Mahetse Primary School —the venue for the Children’s Party.
“Mahetse Secondary School is also receiving new science laboratories and staff housing, steps that will narrow the academic and digital divide between rural and urban areas. Critical healthcare facilities, including Maphisa District Hospital and Kezi Clinic, are being rehabilitated to better serve our people,” he said.
Cde Ndlovu further highlighted the importance of honouring the nation’s founding father, “Father Zimbabwe.”
“Work is also at an advanced stage on the construction of the Joshua Nkomo Vocational Training Centre and a guesthouse at his homestead. This ensures that the legacy of Dr Nkomo continues to empower the youth through skills training. We are happy to welcome the whole nation to Maphisa, and we are keen to see the people witness the fruits of devolution first hand.”
Cde Ndlovu expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa for his leadership in decentralising national events to grassroots communities.
“On behalf of the province, I want to extend my deepest thanks to His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, for choosing Maphisa to host this year’s national Independence celebrations. By bringing the main festivities to our doorsteps, the President has shown that he is a leader who truly walks the talk when it comes to devolution,” he said.
“This gesture has not only uplifted our spirits but has also accelerated life-changing infrastructure projects that were once mere dreams. We are eternally grateful to the Second Republic for recognising the historical significance of Matobo District and for ensuring that the people of this province are central to the national narrative of freedom and progress.”
Cde Ndlovu urged residents, traditional leaders and stakeholders across the political spectrum to unite to ensure a flawless event.
“This is not just a Zanu-PF event, it is a national milestone being hosted on our soil. I am appealing for total unity across the province. I call upon all stakeholders — our traditional leaders, the business community and civic society — to work together in the spirit of Ubuntu, to ensure Matabeleland South successfully hosts these historic celebrations,” he said.
“This is our moment to shine as the ‘Rainbow Province,’ and by working as a single unit, we will show the nation that we are not only ready to host but are also fully committed to the collective success of Zimbabwe. Let us welcome our visitors with one voice and one heart.”
Cde Ndlovu said coordination between provincial leadership, traditional leaders and Government ministries had ensured that preparations were on course.
“Our mobilisation is at its peak. We are inviting everyone to come and witness history. Matabeleland South is ready to show the nation the hospitality of the ‘Rainbow Province’,” he said.
Cde Ndlovu also encouraged young people to take ownership of the infrastructure being rolled out.
“Independence is about empowerment. The infrastructure we are building today is the platform upon which the youth must build the industries of tomorrow. We are satisfied that we are on the right track.”
This year’s celebrations will be held under the theme “Zim@46 – Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030.”
The theme aligns with the Government’s broader national development agenda, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy by 2030 through inclusive growth, infrastructure development and social cohesion.
