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MUTARE’S Sakubva Stadium was full to the rafters on Monday as thousands of people from all walks of life thronged the venue for the provincial Independence Day celebrations that were filled with pomp and funfair.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Cde Mandi Chimene, read the Presidential speech which was well received by those in attendance.
On Tuesday, she praised Zimbabweans for coming in their numbers regardless of their political affiliation.
“This year’s event was bigger and better and we expect greater things in the coming years. Our people have shown political maturity by gracing the independence celebrations irrespective of the different political organisations they subscribe to,” she said.
The celebrations were graced by several dignitaries from Mozambique who crossed the border to join their neighbours in song and dance.
Manica Province permanent secretary, Mrs Francisca Muluana, who headed the Mozambican delegation, said they had a good time during their stay in Zimbabwe.
She said the brotherhood co-operation that existed between Zimbabwe and Mozambique during the liberation struggle during the colonial era must be kept alive.
“The relationship between Mozambique and Zimbabwe and other countries in SADC, in general, will be better or enhanced if we feel someone’s problem in another country as ours.
The problems of Mozambique should be the problems for Zimbabwe and vice versa. Our people should understand that as Africans we have to unite and help each other in times of need and we need to impact the importance of our independence to the young generation,” she said.
As usual mock battles by the Zimbabwe National Army stole the limelight. The whole stadium was left asking for more following a polished performance by a youthful Zim-dancehall artiste who belted out contemporary hits that left Cde Chimene and company showcasing their dancing skills to the appreciative crowd.
Interviewed residents said Zimbabweans must put aside their political affiliations and merry-make.
They said the freedom we enjoy today came about through the barrel of the gun and many people lost their loves in the search for Uhuru.
The celebrations were iced by a soccer match pitting Tenax and Buffaloes football clubs with the former winning the match 2-0.
In Rusape, Vengere Stadium was full to the brim as thousands of people from Makoni District thronged the venue for the celebrations.
More than 10 000 people attended the celebrations that started at 10am with entertainment being provided by a number of schools and security personnel.
The District Administrator, Mr William Mashava read President Mugabe’s speech.
In Chimanimani, youths opted to celebrate Uhuru through a soccer tournament played at Nyanyadzi Primary School.
The event was sponsored by Zanu-PF women’s league national secretary for administration, Cde Letina Undenge, Mega Food Mart, Hurudza Wholesale and Nyanyadzi Service Station.
Online Reporter